General Dentistry

Give Your Teeth a Rest

Teeth grinding can quietly wear down your smile over time. A custom nightguard and practical habits can help protect your teeth and reduce strain.

Bruxism

Bruxism is repeated teeth grinding or jaw clenching, often during sleep. Because it may happen unconsciously, many people first learn they grind their teeth when a dental examination reveals worn enamel, small fractures, or damage to a filling or crown.

Occasional clenching may not cause lasting harm, but frequent or forceful grinding can place significant stress on the teeth, jaw muscles, and joints.

Custom acrylic nightguard fitted over a dental model
A custom nightguard helps protect teeth from grinding forces

Clues to look for

Signs of Teeth Grinding

  • Jaw soreness or stiffness after waking
  • Morning headaches or facial discomfort
  • Flattened, chipped, or unusually worn teeth
  • Increased tooth sensitivity
  • Damage to fillings, crowns, or other restorations
  • A partner noticing grinding sounds during sleep

Bruxism can progress without obvious symptoms. Regular dental examinations help identify wear before more extensive damage develops.

Why Does Bruxism Happen?

Stress and anxiety can contribute to clenching or grinding, including during sleep. Sleep patterns, medications, bite relationships, and other health factors may also play a role. An evaluation helps distinguish bruxism from other sources of jaw or facial pain and guides the appropriate approach.

Small habits that may help

Relaxing the Jaw

Reduce evening tensionGentle exercise, a warm bath, quiet music, or another calming routine may help you unwind before sleep.
Notice daytime clenchingUse “lips together, teeth apart” as a reminder to let the jaw rest when you are not chewing.
Avoid overworking the jawLimit chewing gum and avoid biting pens, pencils, fingernails, or other hard objects.
Watch personal triggersAlcohol or caffeine can worsen grinding for some people. Notice whether reducing either makes a difference.

Waking with jaw tension or noticing worn teeth?

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