Many Highland Park patients who grind their teeth have no idea they’re doing it. Bruxism — the clinical term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching — most often happens during sleep, making it invisible until the effects start to show up in the mouth or as recurring morning discomfort. By the time most patients learn they’ve been grinding, some degree of wear has already occurred. The good news is that once it’s identified, it’s very manageable.
What Causes Bruxism?
The exact causes of bruxism aren’t fully understood, but several factors are consistently associated with it. Stress and anxiety are among the most common — many people unconsciously clench or grind during the day as well as at night when stress levels are high. Sleep disorders, particularly sleep apnea, are also linked to nighttime grinding. Certain medications, caffeine, and alcohol can increase the likelihood of bruxism, as can bite misalignment and missing teeth that alter how the jaw comes together.
Bruxism is also more common than most people realize. It affects both adults and children, though children often grow out of it as their permanent teeth develop.
Signs You May Be Grinding
Because it usually happens while you’re asleep, the signs of bruxism tend to be indirect. Common indicators include:
- Waking up with jaw soreness, facial pain, or a headache concentrated around the temples
- Tooth sensitivity that seems to have developed without an obvious cause
- Teeth that appear flatter, shorter, or more worn down than they should be
- Chipped or cracked teeth, particularly on the back molars
- A partner mentioning that they hear grinding sounds during the night
- Increased jaw tightness or clicking when opening the mouth
Your dentist is often the first to notice wear patterns on the teeth that suggest grinding — which is one more reason regular exams matter.
How Bruxism Is Treated
The most common and effective treatment for nighttime grinding is a custom-fitted night guard — an oral appliance worn over the teeth during sleep that creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. It doesn’t stop the grinding behavior itself, but it prevents the teeth from making contact, absorbing the force instead and protecting the enamel from further wear.
A properly fitted night guard from California Dental Group is made from impressions of your teeth, ensuring a comfortable, secure fit that stays in place through the night. Over-the-counter versions are available at pharmacies, but they tend to fit poorly and can actually increase clenching in some patients by triggering bite reflexes.
For patients whose grinding is linked to stress, addressing the underlying anxiety through lifestyle changes or working with a physician can also help reduce the frequency and intensity of grinding. In cases where bite misalignment is contributing to the problem, orthodontic treatment may be part of the conversation.
Protecting What’s Left in Highland Park
Enamel doesn’t grow back. Once the protective outer layer of a tooth has been worn away, it’s gone — which is why addressing bruxism sooner rather than later protects the teeth you have. In some cases, worn or damaged teeth may need to be restored with dental bonding, crowns, or veneers after the grinding is controlled, but the priority is always to stop additional damage first.
If you’ve been waking up with jaw pain or your teeth look different than they used to, it’s worth getting evaluated.
Call California Dental Group at 800-407-0161 to schedule an exam and find out whether a night guard is the right solution for you.
