Clenching and grinding of the teeth are extremely destructive dental habits. Unlike normal chewing, where teeth are cushioned with portions of food and biting force is dispersed in different directions, clenching and grinding involve one tooth surface against another, leading to the propagation of cracks in teeth and to wearing down of the chewing sides of the teeth. With the accumulation of cracks, teeth may become sensitive and portions of teeth may break off, leading to the necessity of crowns. Over time, the wear may actually extend to the nerve layer of the teeth requiring root canal therapy or even extractions.
Understandably, treatment of worn teeth can be both expensive and involved, so prevention of damage is desired. Since clenching and grinding is a habit that is most often done unconsciously and during sleep, getting rid of the habit is difficult, if not impossible. However, one may lessen the destructive effects of the habit by wearing a cushioned splint, known as a biteguard, over the teeth. This does not stop the clenching or grinding habit, but rather keeps the hard tooth surfaces from contacting and damaging each other. If you are aware of clenching or grinding, especially during sleep, a biteguard would be wise to wear. At your dental exam, if tooth wear is evident, a biteguard may be suggested to lessen the long-term damage of clenching and grinding.