The Role of Teeth Grinding, Inflammation, and Bacteria

Teeth grinding (bruxism) has a major impact on the body and can contribute to multiple uncomfortable conditions, including headaches and arthritis. While grinding has a direct effect on your oral health, the tension and inflammation it causes can also affect the rest of the body.

Furthermore, many patients with bruxism also contend with gum disease, or an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the teeth and gums. Over time, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause an inflammatory response in the joints. This is more common in people with certain autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Understanding the relationship between these key aspects of your health is an important first step to treating them.

“Dr. Patel is definitely one of a kind. Her holistic approach is what makes her stand out among all the rest. Also, her extensive knowledge of health and the industry is commendable. Book with her if you really care about your health, dental health, and all around wellness.” – Henry L., March 2025
New Patient Offer
New Patient Offer

Get your first
Exam, Digital X-rays, and Cleaning
all for $407

(For cash patients only)

Request an Appointment
Contact Us
Name(Required)
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Did You Know?

According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep bruxism is reported by 8% of people nationwide. A study from the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center also determined that periodontal disease and resulting tooth loss was more common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Breaking It Down

Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition where a person grinds their teeth, usually at night. It’s often accompanied by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD), or inflammation of the joint that connects the lower jaw to the upper mandible.

This ultimately results in a painful cycle where grinding exacerbates TMJ and TMJ causes even more grinding. Holistic treatments for bruxism can include:

  • Mouth guards worn at night. A custom-made mouth guard puts a cushion between your back teeth that prevents them from touching and absorbs pressure when grinding.
  • Eating foods rich in natural anti-inflammatories. Add foods to your diet that have lots of anti-inflammatory properties, including ginger, turmeric, green leafy vegetables, fatty fish, and berries.
  • Managing stress. Stress is one of the biggest triggers for teeth grinding, so it’s a good idea to practice stress-relieving activities that work for you. This might include behavioral therapy, exercise, deep breathing, mindfulness, or something else.

Read More

Understanding Bruxism: What You Need to Know

Understanding and Treating Bruxism Holistically

Teeth Grinding and Bruxism (Podcast)

Headaches

Bruxism and TMJ can also cause pain and inflammation in the shoulders, neck, and head. This often results in headaches that become chronic as one condition exacerbates the other. In many cases, patients rely on anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen or even steroids that can come with unwanted side effects. Here are some signs that your oral health may be the root cause of your headaches:

  • Your headaches occur primarily in the morning when you wake up
  • You have tight muscles in your neck and shoulders along with your headaches
  • Your teeth are visibly worn down, chipped, or otherwise damaged
  • Your headaches are accompanied by jaw pain or the sounds of clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth

At Green Dentistry, we can help you determine if the cause of tension headaches or migraines may be bruxism or another dental health condition. We also offer holistic treatments that can relieve pain without the use of prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Arthritis

If you are at risk for developing arthritis or have already been diagnosed, good oral hygiene becomes even more important. Keeping the bad bacteria in your mouth to a minimum can help reduce joint inflammation and pain, even in other areas of the body. This goes for both age-related arthritis and autoimmune-related arthritis.

Some things you can do to maintain your dental health with arthritis include:

  • Having regular dental exams. Checking for signs of gum disease and infection early is crucial for preventing harmful bacteria from entering your bloodstream.
  • Having regular and deep cleanings. Consistent dental cleanings are another important component, and we may recommend that you undergo deep cleaning if you have precursors to gingivitis.
  • Ozone therapy. In severe cases of periodontal disease where brushing, flossing, and even professional cleanings may not be able to reach some bacteria, a patient may be a good candidate for ozone therapy. This is a painless procedure that leaves your mouth feeling clean and healthy.

Request an Appointment Today!

(415) 433-0119

Request an Appointment
Patient showing off whitened teeth from procedure at holistic cosmetic dentist in San Francisco

Your Comfort Matters to Us

Our Union Square dentist in San Francisco ensures our office is a place where you can relax and put your health and wellness first, allowing yourself recovery and restoration. We provide a number of spa-like services to our patients in order to relieve discomfort and improve relaxation, such as:

  • Aromatherapy
  • Neck wraps and heated blankets
  • Healing with essential oils and crystals
  • Noise-cancelling headphones

Request an Appointment

New Patient? We’ll Plant a Tree In Your Honor

We believe in “green dentistry with a green thumb.” Let’s work together to help improve the environment and fight climate change.

Every year, your tree will:

  • Produce 260 lbs of fresh oxygen
  • Remove 25+ lbs of carbon from the atmosphere
  • Provide shade and habitat for birds, squirrels, and other animals

Help us make a difference!

San Francisco, home of holistic cosmetic and restorative dentist Dr. Nammy Patel

The best holistic dental care in the San Francisco Bay Area!

We look forward to welcoming you and helping you on your journey to an amazing smile and life-long health!

Request an appointment today!

Call (415) 433-0119

Request an Appointment

Contact Us

Name(Required)
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Dr. Nammy Patel and her team at Green Dentistry in Downtown San Francisco, California, provide quality dentistry with a holistic approach. They offer their patients exceptional care and service in cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign treatment, laser dentistry, sleep apnea treatment, general holistic dentistry and so much more. They even offer sedation dentistry to their patients. They serve patients throughout the Bay Area. SF Green Dentist is within walking distance from Downtown and the Financial District.

San Francisco dentist Dr Nammy Patel's dental affiliations