Teeth grinding places repeated force on the teeth and jaw without rest. During grinding, the upper and lower teeth slide against each other with pressure that is much stronger than normal chewing. This friction gradually wears down the enamel, the hard outer layer designed to protect the tooth. As enamel thins, it loses its ability to absorb force evenly. The underlying dentin becomes exposed, increasing sensitivity and making teeth more vulnerable to cracks. Small fractures can form along the t