Bruxism — clenching or grinding the teeth — mostly happens during sleep, which is exactly why so few people know they do it. Often the first person to notice is a dentist, or a partner.
The signs you can notice yourself
A dull headache at the temples on waking. Jaw muscles that feel tired or tight first thing. Teeth that are sensitive without an obvious cause. Aching teeth in the morning that ease through the day. A partner who hears it.
The signs we look for
Flattened or polished-looking biting surfaces, particularly on canines. Small cracks in the enamel. Chipped edges on the front teeth. Notches at the gum line. A tongue with scalloped edges where it has been pressed against the teeth, and ridges on the inside of the cheeks.
Those signs accumulate slowly, which is the reason routine examinations catch bruxism earlier than patients do.
Why it matters
Grinding wears enamel that does not grow back, and the forces involved crack teeth over time. It shortens the life of fillings, crowns and veneers — which is why grinding is taken into account before cosmetic work rather than after. It also contributes to jaw pain.
What can be done
A custom night guard does not stop the grinding, but it takes the wear instead of your teeth, which is the point. Custom-made guards fit the bite properly; boil-and-bite versions from a pharmacy are better than nothing but wear through faster and fit less precisely.
Because stress is a common driver, anything that genuinely reduces it helps. So does noticing daytime clenching — many people who grind at night also hold their teeth together while concentrating, and that one is within your control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I grind my teeth in my sleep?+
Common clues are waking with a dull headache at the temples, tight jaw muscles in the morning, or unexplained tooth sensitivity. A dentist can also see the wear pattern on your teeth, which usually shows before you notice symptoms.
Does a night guard stop grinding?+
It does not stop the habit. It absorbs the wear so your teeth do not, and it often reduces morning jaw soreness. That protection is what preserves enamel and restorations over the long run.
Is a drugstore mouthguard good enough?+
It is better than nothing, but it fits less precisely and wears through faster than a custom guard made to your bite. For regular grinding, a custom guard lasts longer and distributes the force more evenly.
Cavities develop gradually, not overnight. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches, producing acids that pull minerals from your enamel. Saliva repairs some damage, but frequent acid attacks overwhelm it, and plaque lets bacteria attack the tooth directly. Left unchecked, decay progresses from the enamel into the dentin, pulp, and eventually an abscess. Good hygiene, diet, and regular dental visits keep cavities preventable.