What to Do If Your Teeth Are Worn Down from Clenching or Grinding (Bruxism)

Have you noticed your teeth look shorter, flatter, or more sensitive? Do you wake up with jaw pain or even headaches?
You may be suffering from bruxism—an involuntary habit that affects millions of people without them even realizing it... until the damage is already done.

At Dental Artistry, we treat patients every day with tooth wear caused by bruxism. We’re here to help you stop the damage and restore the function and beauty of your smile.

🦷 What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the unconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth, most commonly during sleep, though it can also happen during the day.

Common causes include:

• Stress or anxiety

• Bite or alignment issues

• Sleep apnea

• Certain medications or neurological conditions

• Unconscious daytime habits.

🔍 How do I know if I have bruxism?

Common signs include:

• Flat, worn-down, or chipped teeth

• Tooth sensitivity to cold or heat

• Jaw pain or tightness, especially in the morning

• Frequent headaches or neck pain

• Grinding sounds at night (often noticed by a partner)

📌 Tip: Even if you don’t feel pain, the damage can still progress—so early detection is key.

🛠️ How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the level of wear and the root cause:

1. Night guard

A custom-made appliance worn while you sleep. It helps prevent tooth-on-tooth contact and relaxes the jaw muscles. It’s one of the most effective and conservative treatments.

2. Cosmetic or restorative dental work

If the wear is already severe, we may need to rebuild the teeth with composite fillings, crowns, or veneers to restore their shape, size, and function.

3. Complementary therapies

• Stress management or therapy for chronic anxiety

• Jaw physiotherapy

• Bite adjustments (in specific cases)

⏳ What happens if I don’t treat it?

Ignoring bruxism can lead to:

• Progressive loss of tooth structure

• Cracked or broken teeth (or crowns)

• TMJ disorders

• Difficulty chewing or speaking

• More complex and expensive dental treatments later on

✅ In Summary:

✔ Bruxism can damage your teeth silently over time
✔ A custom night guard can stop the damage early
✔ If damage has already occurred, it can be restored with aesthetic or functional treatments
✔ Early intervention saves you pain, time, and money

Think you might be clenching or grinding your teeth? Book your evaluation with us in Tijuana and take control of your smile before the damage gets worse.