Teeth grinding (bruxism) can lead to pain, cracks, and enamel loss.
Discover the causes, symptoms, and effective solutions for protecting your teeth at Mr Dent Clinic, Chișinău.
Why do we grind our teeth at night?
Bruxism is an involuntary activity in which a person grinds or strongly clenches their teeth, most often during sleep.
It is not just a “nervous habit.”
It is a medical condition with multiple possible causes:
- psychological stress and anxiety
- bite problems (malocclusion)
- sleep disorders (apnea)
- gastroesophageal reflux
- excessive consumption of coffee, alcohol, or nicotine
- chronic fatigue and hormonal imbalances
Studies show that bruxism can also occur in children, but in adults the damage to enamel is far more significant.
How do you know if you have bruxism?
Many people don’t realize they grind their teeth because it happens during sleep. Often, the partner is the first to notice it.
However, the body sends warning signs:
- jaw muscle pain in the morning
- frequent migraines or headaches
- cracks or chips in the teeth
- visible wear of the tooth edges
- increased tooth sensitivity
- clicking sounds when opening the mouth (TMJ)
- restless sleep and constant fatigue
In advanced cases, gum recession and tooth mobility may also appear.
What happens if bruxism is not treated?
The pressure applied during grinding can be up to 6 times stronger than during chewing.
If untreated:
- enamel wears down to the dentin
- teeth become extremely sensitive and may fracture
- pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- gum recession
- implants and dental work can be damaged
Basically, the teeth “wear down” in real time.
How do we protect the teeth? Modern solutions at Mr Dent Clinic
Treating bruxism means more than protection — it means finding the true cause.
Night guard (occlusal splint)
This is the first and most effective step. A personalized night guard:
- protects the enamel
- relaxes the jaw muscles
- reduces pressure on the TMJ
It is made from special materials, based on a digital scan or precise impression.
Bite correction
If bruxism is caused by a wrong occlusion:
- orthodontics (braces / aligners) may be recommended
- selective adjustments to stabilize the bite
Pain therapy and muscle relaxation
Therapeutic massages, jaw exercises, and in severe cases,
minimally invasive treatments to relax overactive muscles.
Stress management
Bruxism is often a reaction to emotional tension. Recommendations can include:
- breathing techniques
- proper sleep hygiene
- reducing stimulants in the evening
How long until results appear?
Many patients feel significant improvement from the first nights of wearing the night guard.
Muscle pain decreases, sleep becomes deeper, and enamel is immediately protected.
Regular monitoring is important to evaluate progress and the wear of the guard.
Bruxism is not just a habit — it is a condition that can irreversibly damage your teeth if untreated.
The good news is that, when diagnosed early, it can be effectively controlled, keeping your smile healthy for many years.
At Mr Dent Clinic, we provide personalized solutions with modern technology and a careful approach to the real causes.