Can Teeth Grinding Cause Tooth Sensitivity? Everything You Should Know
Can clenching teeth cause sensitivity? Yes, teeth clenching and grinding—a common condition called bruxism—is the primary cause of tooth sensitivity, among many other unpleasant symptoms.
The good news is that there’s a solution. We’ve helped countless customers to get relief from bruxism, and we’d love to do the same for you! Here’s everything you should know about the connection between bruxism and sensitive teeth.
Why Bruxism Causes Tooth Sensitivity
The reason why bruxism causes tooth sensitivity is because grinding and clenching your teeth gradually wears down their protective layer of enamel. Over time, as the enamel erodes, the sensitive dentin layer beneath becomes exposed, which is why consuming cold or hot foods and drinks can cause pain.
Can teeth grinding cause tooth sensitivity permanently? Unfortunately, enamel cannot regrow. So, if your enamel has already worn away, you may need to get dental work done, such as fluoride treatments or dental bonding.
Dental treatments can provide relief, but they’re only a temporary solution if you don’t take steps to eliminate the root cause—bruxism. Continuing to grind and clench your teeth will wear away the dental work, just like the enamel. That’s why it’s so important to stop bruxism in its tracks before the long-term effects of teeth grinding on your dental health become more severe.
Wear a Mouthguard to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity
Many of our customers ask us, “Can teeth grinding cause tooth sensitivity if I wear a mouthguard?” We’re always happy to tell them that wearing a custom mouthguard is an easy and effective way to prevent your upper and lower teeth from touching each other. Ask yourself, can clenching teeth cause sensitivity if your enamel is protected from erosion? The answer is a resounding no!
Dental guards are essential for people who have bruxism because it’s not always possible to stop grinding and clenching teeth, no matter how hard you may try. Many people with daytime bruxism grind and clench their teeth without even realizing they’re doing it. Breaking the habit can be incredibly difficult. And, those who have sleep bruxism naturally can’t stop their subconscious actions.
You might be wondering, can teeth grinding cause tooth sensitivity if you take care of your dental health? Unfortunately, no amount of brushing can help with this condition. In fact, excessive brushing can even exacerbate tooth sensitivity by further eroding what little enamel is left. That’s why wearing a dental guard is absolutely crucial.
If you’re just starting to experience tooth sensitivity, now is the time to order a custom-fitted dental guard before the condition worsens. If you’ve been struggling with tooth sensitivity for a while, a mouthguard will still help to prevent further damage. Simply put, if you grind or clench your teeth, even mildly, you should be wearing a mouthguard.
Other Ways to Get Relief
Can teeth grinding cause tooth sensitivity even if there’s no pain? Yes, tooth sensitivity can be very mild at first, so you may not realize it’s occurring until a significant amount of enamel has eroded.
Can clenching teeth cause sensitivity that can be managed? You might be able to handle sensitive teeth in the early stages, but the condition will become more severe if left untreated. In the meantime, here are some temporary ways to (hopefully) ease the discomfort.
- Switch to a desensitizing toothpaste
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Rinse your mouth with a solution of warm water and salt
- Avoid excessively hot or cold foods and drinks
- Avoid acidic and sugary foods and drinks
- Take an analgesic
- Consult with a dentist about treatments
Order Your Custom Mouthguard Today
Can teeth grinding cause tooth sensitivity if a mouthguard prevents enamel from wearing down in the first place? No! That’s where we come in.
Clear Comfort Night Guards is a reputable dental lab based out of Los Angeles. For over ten years, our team of professional dental technicians created dental appliances for dentists, including custom mouthguards. We changed to a direct-to-consumer business model, so now we sell the exact same custom-fitted mouthguards that dentists sell, but at a much more affordable price!
We provide a simple, straightforward ordering process. Here’s how it works. After you order your night guard, we’ll send you a teeth impression kit. You take your dental impressions at home (it takes around 5 minutes). Send the kit back in the prepaid mailer, and we’ll get right to work making you a custom night guard backed by our Perfect Fit Promise.
Teeth grinding can cause tooth sensitivity, but that doesn’t mean you have to live in discomfort! We’ve helped thousands of people prevent and manage tooth sensitivity—just check our customer testimonials. Place your order today.
