CarolinasDentist Blog

How Teeth Grinding Affects Your Oral Health

Drawing of a man clenching and grinding his teeth as he sleeps

Teeth grinding image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Teeth grinding and clenching, or bruxism, can be triggered by feelings of increased stress, frustration, anger, and anxiety. It can occur subconsciously during the day or as you sleep.

Tooth Damage

Continual grinding can wear down the top of the teeth and make them more susceptible to tooth decay and infection. The jaw muscles are also some of the strongest muscles in the human body, so frequently clenching your teeth together can lead to cracked and broken teeth as well as damaged dental restorations.

Sensitivity & Gum Infection

Bruxism can irritate the gums, causing them to recede. The newly exposed areas on the teeth may feel more sensitive than the rest of their teeth. As receding gums pull away from the teeth, pockets form that can accumulate bacteria. This increases your risk of infection and tooth loss.

Jaw Pain

Chronic teeth grinding and clenching go hand in hand with TMJ problems. When patients clench their teeth during the night, they are placing a lot of pressure on their temporomandibular joints. These are the joints that connect the jawbone to the skull. Excessive pressure on these joints can cause jaw soreness, stiffness, face and ear pain, and difficulty chewing or opening the mouth all the way. In serious cases, the jaw can actually become dislocated, and surgery can be required.

Teeth Grinding Treatment

If you suspect that you may be grinding your teeth at night, please bring this up with our team. You may benefit from a custom nightguard to protect your teeth and gums from the negative effects of bruxism. This nightguard can act as a barrier to prevent the teeth from damaging each other and relieve your jaw from excessive force as you sleep.

We also recommend consulting with other care providers, such as your primary care provider, a licensed therapist, or fitness trainer. You may benefit from talk therapy, exercise and/or yoga, meditation, or other methods of relaxation..

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Gabrielle Smallwood

Senior Regional Director

Gabrielle, a seasoned professional, began her journey with CarolinasDentist in 2015 as the Practice Manager for the Fayetteville location. Swiftly showcasing her passion for growth and effective leadership, she transformed her Fayetteville team into the largest and most profitable practice in the CarolinasDentist network, earning her a spot on the CarolinasDentist Leadership Team in 2018.

Her impact extended behind the scenes, where Gabrielle played a pivotal role in facilitating CarolinasDentist's partnership with Lightwave. Recognizing her contributions, she was promoted in 2020 to Regional Director of Operations for Lightwave and Integrator for CarolinasDentist. A firm believer in the EOS Operating Platform, Gabrielle exemplifies her commitment to streamlined operations which helped her earn her promotion to Senior Regional Director of Operations.

Originally from Western Pennsylvania, Gabrielle is a proud graduate of Slippery Rock University, holding a degree in Health Services Administration. She brings a wealth of leadership experience from multi-location medical and dental practices. Her dedication to continuous improvement is evident in her enthusiasm for professional development and executive coaching.

Now based in Raleigh, NC, with her husband Nathan, Gabrielle shares her home with her two furry companions, Teddy and Peach, who are likely familiar faces on her Teams calls. Outside work, she loves getting lost in books and finds joy in diving into DIY projects, effortlessly merging her love for stories with hands-on creativity. With a book in one hand and a toolbox in the other, she brings literature and craftsmanship together in her own unique way.

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Lourdes Sisk

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Beyond the boardroom, Lourdes is a music enthusiast who finds inspiration in the rhythm and melodies that surround her. Her love for music reflects her creative spirit and adds a unique dimension to her leadership style. Lourdes cherishes her role as a loving spouse and a pet parent to three fur babies. Her commitment to family values extends beyond the workplace, fostering a culture of care and compassion among the team.

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Lauren Collins

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Sam Cernosek

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Bonnie Heath

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Samantha Roman

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