Does Bruxism Worsen Periodontitis? What Research Says
If you grind or clench your teeth, you may already be familiar with worn-down teeth, jaw soreness, or morning headaches. But what about your gums? When you have gum disease, it is quite natural to ask yourself if this additional stress on your gums is going to aggravate your situation.
Bruxism and periodontitis are two different oral health conditions, but they can affect the same teeth and supporting tissues. So, does bruxism worsen periodontitis?
This blog discusses the link that can exist between bruxism and periodontitis, the effects of teeth grinding on periodontal health, and ways of protecting your teeth and gums.
📑 Table of Contents
Bruxism and Periodontitis: What’s the Difference?
First, let's take a quick look at what bruxism and periodontitis are and the signs to watch for.
What is Bruxism?
The Cleveland Clinic describes bruxism as the involuntary grinding or clenching of your teeth. It can occur when you are awake, referred to as awake bruxism or daytime bruxism, or when you are sleeping, referred to as sleep bruxism. Stress is one of the most common causes, but genetics, age, lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking, among others, can be responsible.
Since bruxism can happen while you're asleep without you knowing, dentists often look for signs that you may be grinding or clenching your teeth. Some common symptoms include:
- Worn, chipped, or sensitive teeth
- Morning headaches
- Jaw soreness or tightness
- Difficulty eating or moving your mouth comfortably
- Ear pain or ringing in the ears
What is Periodontitis?
As explained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), periodontal disease is a chronic gum disease which involves inflammation of the tissues that surround the teeth. It can cause deterioration of the bone surrounding the teeth as well. Inflammation of the tissues is caused by plaque and bacteria. Smoking, poor dental hygiene, diabetes, genetics, stress, and medications are some of the factors which predispose you to periodontal disease.
Because periodontitis can get worse when left untreated, knowing the early signs can help you get treatment sooner. Some common symptoms include:
- Swollen or red gums
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums, making the teeth look longer
- Loose teeth or tooth loss
How Bruxism May Affect Periodontal Health
Bruxism causes additional stress to your teeth and supporting tissues. However, does the stress aggravate the condition of periodontitis? Studies have been conducted and have shown conflicting results. In a 2020 study, subjects with sleep bruxism showed lower prevalence of periodontitis and improved periodontal measurements. On the other hand, in another study, subjects with periodontal disease were found to suffer from bruxism.
Another study did not establish any clear link between sleep bruxism and periodontal disease. It did indicate that continuous but mild clenching during wakefulness puts additional strain on the tissue surrounding the teeth. In addition, a systematic review conducted in 2015 established that there was no connection between bruxism and periodontal lesions.
In summary, these results show that bruxism may contribute more mechanical stress to the surrounding tissues of the tooth, although not enough research has yet proven its contribution to gum disease.
Managing Bruxism and Protecting Your Gum Health
Having both bruxism and periodontitis doesn't mean you're out of options. There are ways to manage both conditions and help protect your teeth and gums.
Treat the Gum Disease
Treating the periodontitis should still be your priority, since bruxism isn't considered a direct cause of the disease. The Mayo Clinic recommends seeing a dentist to assess the severity of periodontitis and determine the right treatment for your condition.
Manage Bruxism
If you have any signs of bruxism, your dentist will advise you to use a dental guard when you sleep, or even sometimes when you are awake. This is because it may help prevent any further damage to your teeth and lessen the pressure on your jaw bone.
Protect Your Teeth and Gums
Oral hygiene is also critical when dealing with both conditions. Brushing and flossing should be included in your daily schedule, and professional dental cleaning according to your dentist's instructions must be adhered to. Quitting smoking or tobacco use will also help in ensuring that your gums do not face any further damage.
Protect Your Teeth From Bruxism
Even though bruxism may not directly worsen gum disease, a custom dental guard can help protect your teeth from excessive wear and pressure. ClearClub's Custom Night Guards are made to fit your teeth comfortably. With our renewal plan, you can also keep you guard fresh when it's time for a replacement. Ready to protect your teeth? Get your custom dental guard today.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can grinding your teeth make gum disease worse?
The relationship between bruxism and periodontitis remains unclear. Some findings suggest that bruxism may be associated with increased severity of periodontitis, while others have found no significant relationship between the two. Therefore, there is currently no clear evidence that bruxism directly worsens periodontitis.
❓ Can bruxism affect your gums?
Bruxism can place additional pressure on the teeth and the tissues that support them. Although bruxism is not classified as a contributing factor to periodontitis, constant grinding and clenching may put extra strain on the surrounding tissues. Managing bruxism can therefore be beneficial for overall oral health.
❓ Should I get a dental guard if I have bruxism?
If you regularly grind or clench your teeth, a dental guard can help protect them from excessive wear and pressure. A custom dental guard can be made to fit your teeth comfortably, but it is still a good idea to have your dentist check your teeth and gums if you also have periodontitis.
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