I just found out that I have to get a crown on my lower molar because my tooth

I do grind my teeth at night. I just didn't think it was that bad.

Best Answer

Hi! I've been in dentistry for over 25 years and typically this is called a stress/trauma fracture. Chewing gum will not do this as the motion of the lower jaw is a lateral excursion (moves side to side) and not direct impact force. Clenching during the day and then grinding at night in your sleep force direct impact on the tooth into the bone. When the tooth can no longer take the pressure it fractures. This is why I would recommend you get a custom made mouth guard made by your dentist after you get the crown.

History tends to repeat itself so if you continue to grind and clench you will fracture/chip the porcelain on your crown and then may need a root canal with on going trauma to the tooth.

Try this. Work on finding your triggers during the day. Bad drivers, being late, unhappy relationships, etc. When you feel your shoulders lock and you start to clench open your mouth, breath through your nose and out your mouth. Relax. This will take time and once you can begin work on this, the less stress to your teeth. The mouth guard will help at night and you should be able to stop the process of breaking teeth from repeating itself. If you have any other questions, please ask. Marie