Can teeth grinding cause cavities?

While teeth grinding (bruxism) itself does not directly cause cavities, it can increase your risk of developing cavities.

Teeth grinding can wear down the enamel (the hard, outer layer of your teeth) over time, which can make your teeth more susceptible to tooth decay.

When the enamel is worn down, the sensitive layers of your teeth are exposed, making them more vulnerable to the bacteria that cause cavities.

Additionally, grinding your teeth can cause small cracks and chips in your teeth, which can also increase your risk of developing cavities.