Do you wake up with jaw soreness? Do your teeth look worn down? Does your partner complain about grinding sounds at night? You might be grinding your teeth. A common habit called bruxism.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is involuntary teeth grinding, usually occurring at night. You might not consciously realize you’re doing it. Some people also grind during stressful waking hours.
Causes
Stress is a major trigger. Your body responds to stress by tensing muscles, including those in your jaw. Sleep disorders like sleep apnea increase grinding risk. Stimulants like caffeine or nicotine can trigger grinding. Certain medications increase grinding risk. Misaligned bite or missing teeth can cause compensatory grinding. Alcohol consumption, particularly before bedtime, increases grinding.
Damage From Grinding
Chronic grinding wears down your teeth. Your teeth become shorter and flatter. You lose the natural chewing surfaces. Worn teeth become more sensitive because the enamel is thinner. Teeth can crack or fracture from grinding force. Grinding stresses your TMJ, causing jaw pain and headaches. Fillings and crowns can break from grinding pressure.
Signs You’re Grinding
Worn, flattened teeth are obvious signs. Your dentist notices this during exams. Jaw pain, particularly in the morning, indicates grinding. Headaches, especially tension headaches, can result from grinding. Tooth sensitivity increases as enamel wears. Your sleep partner reports grinding sounds.
Night Guard Protection
A custom night guard is the primary treatment. Your dentist creates a guard that fits perfectly to your teeth. You wear it while sleeping. It absorbs the force from grinding, protecting your teeth and jaw. Night guards reduce grinding damage significantly. Not preventing grinding but protecting against damage.
Other Treatments
Stress reduction helps. If stress triggers grinding, managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or meditation helps reduce grinding. Avoid stimulants before bed. Limit caffeine and nicotine, especially in the afternoon and evening. Avoid alcohol before bed. It can trigger increased grinding. Physical therapy for jaw muscles helps some people. Addressing any sleep apnea helps, as treating apnea reduces grinding. Bite correction might help if misalignment is contributing.
Cost
A custom night guard typically costs $300 to $600. Compare this to the cost of repairing ground-down teeth. Potentially thousands of dollars. The night guard is a cost-effective investment in protecting your teeth.
Fitting and Adjustment
Your dentist takes impressions and sends them to a lab where your custom guard is made. Once made, the guard is fitted and adjusted for comfort. Most people adapt quickly to wearing a night guard.
Maintenance
Clean your night guard daily like you brush your teeth. Store it in a protective case. It might need periodic adjustment as your teeth shift slightly over time. It might need replacement after several years of wear.
Real-World Example
Jennifer woke up with chronic headaches and noticed her teeth were worn. Her dentist diagnosed grinding. A custom night guard was made. Within weeks of wearing it, her headaches decreased significantly. Over time, they resolved. Her teeth stopped wearing further. Jennifer is relieved. Continued grinding would have required crowns eventually. A $400 night guard prevented thousands in restorative work.
Prevention
If you’re not yet grinding, preventing it is ideal. Manage stress effectively. Avoid stimulants before bed. Address any sleep disorders. Maintain good sleep hygiene. Adequate sleep reduces grinding.
Getting Started
If you suspect grinding, mention it to your dentist at your next checkup. Your dentist can assess wear and recommend a night guard if appropriate. At Thrive Dental in Stockton, we address grinding with custom night guards. We also work on underlying causes when possible. If grinding is damaging your teeth, let’s protect them. Schedule an appointment and discuss a night guard. Your teeth deserve protection.
