Teeth Grinding, Clenching & Cracked Tooth Syndrome Frequently Asked Questions

Teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching are unconscious habits, often during sleep, where patients apply excessive force to their teeth and jaws. Over time, this can wear down the enamel, crack teeth, and strain the jaw joints and muscles.

- Tension headaches (temples, forehead, top of head, back of neck)

- Jaw pain or clicking (TMJ issues)

- Neck or shoulder tightness

- Chipped, flattened, or worn-down teeth

- Pain when biting or chewing

- Tooth sensitivity with no clear cause

Yes. Stress is the #1 underlying factor. Common life events like divorce, moving, job changes, weddings, or caregiving often trigger grinding and clenching. Dr. Naqvi takes a full-body approach to treatment, including lifestyle modifications and stress relief guidance.

This condition involves microscopic fractures in teeth caused by long-term grinding or clenching. These cracks can’t be seen on X-rays but often cause pain when chewing or after fillings. Without proper protection and restoration, the damage can progress to nerve involvement, requiring root canals or extractions.

Not necessarily! Severely worn teeth can often be saved and rebuilt. Dr. Naqvi is extensively trained in Full Mouth Rehabilitation (FMR), which allows her to:

- Rebuild the original size, shape, and function of your teeth

- Design a new bite and smile that protects against future damage

- Help patients avoid full-mouth extractions whenever possible

As long as you have a good foundation of bone and healthy gums, most teeth can be restored. Even patients with long-term grinding damage often have strong bone structure because the clenching forces stimulate bone growth.

FMR is a comprehensive approach to rebuilding worn-down, broken, or damaged teeth. It involves:

- Smile design to restore appearance and function

- Crowns or veneers to rebuild teeth to their original height

- Nightguards to prevent further grinding

- Implants if some teeth are beyond saving

Dr. Naqvi has advanced training in this technique and has helped many patients get their smile — and bite — back.

You may be a candidate if you:

- Have flattened or shortened teeth from grinding

- Have multiple cracked or broken teeth

- Experience daily headaches or jaw soreness

- Were told you might need dentures but want to explore other options

Dr. Naqvi can evaluate your case with digital scans and a bite analysis.

Dr. Naqvi combines dental solutions with natural healing strategies:

- Custom nightguards (light, thin, retainer-style)

- Stress-reducing recommendations (e.g. walking, stretching, playing with pets, massages, herbal teas)

- Nutritional guidance (magnesium, potassium, calming teas)

- Gentle dental treatment to address cracked or damaged teeth early

Instead of bulky, uncomfortable guards, Dr. Naqvi makes retainer-style nightguards for the upper or lower arch. These are:

- Thin, clear, and easy to wear

- Effective in protecting teeth from grinding

- Often ordered in multiple sets so patients always have a backup

If you feel a sharp pain when biting, it may be due to a hidden crack. These cases often need:

- A crown to stabilize the tooth

- A root canal if the nerve is already affected

- In some severe cases, the tooth may need to be removed and replaced with a dental implant

Grinding is a long-term condition — more like managing a chronic disease than curing it. But with proper bite design, nightguard use, stress reduction, and regular care, it can be controlled, and further damage can be prevented.

Many procedures such as crowns, root canals, or even nightguards are partially covered depending on your dental plan. Our team will help check your benefits and offer flexible financing options when needed.