The short answer to this question is: Yes!
Pathological tooth grinding is termed bruxism or bruxomania (tooth clenching). It can cause severe abrasion of the teeth. It is an involuntary action that may occur during sleep, so you may be completely unaware that you’re a grinder.
Once diagnosed, your dentist will prescribe a night guard, which you can wear during sleep and rest. A night guard covers your teeth and will protect them from grinding and wearing out.
The treatment of tooth wear is more complex. The goal here would be to restore the height, shape, aesthetics of the teeth, the height of the bite and the occlusal-articulatory balance. Your dentist will suggest dental crowns, overlays, composite bonding, or another suitable solution on a case by case basis.
The key here is not only to solve the secondary dental problems associated with bruxism, such as sensitivity to cold or hot, sweet or sour, but to nip the issue in the bud. If left untreated, tooth grinding can cause serious health complications. From a slight reduction in the height of the dental tubercles, to erasing the entire chewing surfaces of teeth, to completed wear of the enamel and exposure of the dentinal surfaces, tooth abrasion can progress to significant reduction in bite height. Whilst there is help even at this stage of the problem, for optimal results, it is paramount to act before any damage to the nerve of the affected teeth.
Consult your dentist immediately if you or your loved ones show any signs of bruxism.
