Most people who grind their teeth at night have no idea they do it. They find out because a partner hears it, or because we notice the wear during a routine exam.
Grinding and clenching — the clinical name is bruxism — is common, and for many people it's mild and occasional. But when it's frequent, it can slowly wear down teeth, crack fillings and leave your jaw sore. Here's what to look for, and what actually helps.
Signs you might be grinding
- A sore or tired jaw when you wake up
- Dull headaches, often around the temples, first thing in the morning
- Teeth that look flatter, shorter or chipped along the edges
- New sensitivity to cold, without an obvious cavity
- Fillings or crowns that crack or come loose more often than they should
- Scalloped edges along the sides of your tongue, or a ridge on the inside of your cheek
- Someone telling you they hear grinding while you sleep
None of these on their own proves you grind. Together, or alongside wear we can see at an exam, they're a strong hint.
What tends to cause it
There usually isn't a single cause. The things most often involved are:
- Stress and anxiety. The most common factor by far — many people clench harder during busy or difficult stretches.
- Sleep-disordered breathing. Grinding is more common in people who snore or have sleep apnea. If you snore loudly, wake up unrefreshed or feel sleepy during the day, mention it — it's worth looking into on its own.
- Caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, especially later in the day.
- Some medications, including certain antidepressants. Never stop a medication on your own; if you suspect a link, raise it with the doctor who prescribed it.
When a night guard helps — and what kind
A night guard doesn't stop you from grinding. What it does is take the force so your teeth don't. For someone who grinds regularly, that is often the difference between a mouth that stays intact for decades and one that slowly needs crowns.
There are two broad options:
- Over-the-counter guards (including boil-and-bite types) are inexpensive and better than nothing for occasional, mild grinding. They tend to be bulkier, can shift during the night, and wear through quickly in a heavy grinder.
- A custom night guard is made from impressions or a digital scan of your teeth. It's thinner, fits precisely, stays in place, and is adjusted to how your jaw actually closes. It costs more up front, and for a regular grinder it lasts considerably longer.
Not everyone with a little wear needs a guard. If the wear is minimal and stable, we may simply note it and compare at your next visit. A guard makes sense when we can see active damage, or when you have symptoms that are affecting you.
Small things that help
- Notice daytime clenching. Many people clench while driving or at a screen — lips together, teeth apart is the resting position to aim for.
- Cut back on caffeine in the afternoon and alcohol in the evening.
- Give yourself a wind-down routine before bed.
- Avoid chewing on pens, ice or gum all day; it keeps the jaw muscles working.
When to come in
If any of the signs above sound familiar, it's worth a look — especially jaw pain, a cracked tooth, or new sensitivity. We'll check for wear, look at how your bite comes together, and tell you honestly whether you need a guard or simply need to keep an eye on it.
You can reach our Skyline office at (703) 931-4544 or our Old Town office at (703) 549-7492, or book online at whichever is closer.