Teeth Grinding and Night Guards: What You Should Know

Many people grind or clench their teeth without knowing it, often while they sleep. A partner may hear it, or you may notice a sore jaw or a dull headache in the morning. Over time, grinding (called bruxism) can wear teeth down, crack them and strain the jaw. The good news is that it's very manageable once you know it's happening.

Signs you may be grinding your teeth

• A sore or tired jaw, especially in the morning
• Dull headaches around the temples when you wake up
• Teeth that look flattened, chipped or shorter than they used to
• New sensitivity to cold, often from worn enamel
• Clicking, popping or tightness in the jaw joint
• Ridges or bite marks on the inside of your cheeks or the edges of your tongue
• A bed partner who hears grinding at night

Some people also clench during the day, especially when they're concentrating, driving or stressed.

Why people grind their teeth

There's rarely a single cause. Common contributors include:

• Stress and anxiety, the most common trigger
• Sleep problems, including snoring and sleep apnea
• Caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, especially later in the day
• Some medications, including certain antidepressants
• Bite and alignment issues

In children, grinding is common and often outgrown, but it's still worth mentioning at checkups so we can watch for wear.

What grinding does to your teeth

The forces involved in grinding are much greater than normal chewing. Over months and years, that can lead to:

• Worn, flattened or chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth and broken fillings (see how we repair them under restorative dentistry)
• Sensitivity as enamel thins
• Jaw pain and stiffness
• Damage to crowns, veneers and other dental work

How a night guard helps

A night guard is a thin, smooth appliance you wear over your teeth while you sleep. It doesn't necessarily stop the grinding, but it takes the force so your teeth don't. It also spreads pressure evenly, which many people find relaxes the jaw muscles.

Custom vs. store-bought

Over-the-counter guards are an inexpensive starting point, but they're often bulky and can shift during the night, and a poor fit can sometimes make jaw discomfort worse. A custom night guard is made from an impression or digital scan of your teeth, so it fits precisely, stays in place and is thin enough to sleep in comfortably. Zen Family Dental makes custom night guards as part of our general and preventive care.

Other things that help

• Wind down before bed. A relaxing routine and less screen time can reduce nighttime clenching.
• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening.
• Notice daytime clenching. The resting position for your jaw is lips together, teeth slightly apart. Gentle reminders help break the habit.
• Apply warmth to sore jaw muscles.
• Talk with your doctor if you snore loudly or feel tired despite a full night's sleep, since sleep apnea and grinding can go together.

When to see your dentist

Come in if you notice worn or chipped teeth, jaw pain that doesn't go away, or morning headaches. At your visit, Dr. Kour will look for signs of wear, check your jaw and bite, and talk with you about whether a night guard makes sense.

Protect your teeth while you sleep

Grinding damage builds slowly, and it's much easier to prevent than to repair. If you think you're grinding, request an appointment online or call Zen Family Dental at (703) 385-2772.