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Is Bruxism More Common at Night?

Have you ever woken up in the morning and had dull pain in your jaw, a dull headache, or just some sensitivity in your teeth? You may have been grinding your teeth while sleeping, and you're not alone! Nighttime bruxism (teeth grinding at night) is more common than you think. The hardest part? You don't even know you were doing it.

This blog post will discuss why you likely have bruxism while sleeping, what causes it, and why a night guard for bruxism (specifically, good night guards from Caspersmile) is your best line of defense.

What is nighttime bruxism?

Nighttime bruxism, also known as sleep bruxism, is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth while sleeping. Daytime grinding, which sometimes can occur from stress, is done on purpose, while sleep bruxism occurs unconsciously, and can go totally unnoticed until the symptoms arise. A study shows that almost 10% of adults and 15% of children suffer from bruxism without even realizing it.

Common symptoms are jaw pain or TMJ disorder, headaches, tooth sensitivity, and potential tooth damage. Contributing factors may be sleep disorders, stress, and misalignment of teeth. If overlooked, bruxism can affect dental and overall health. So, it is advisable to seek a dentist to discuss possible management options.

Common signs include:

Bruxism symptoms include headache, jaw pain, chipped teeth, facial tightness, and disturbed sleep.
Morning headaches

  • Sore jaw muscles

  • Worn-down or chipped teeth

  • Facial tightness

  • Interrupted sleep

Why is bruxism more common at night?

Bruxism is closely linked to your sleep cycle. It often occurs during the lighter stages of sleep, when your brain and muscles are still active but you're unaware of it. As your brain shifts through these phases, it may trigger involuntary jaw movements.

The main causes of nighttime bruxism include:

  • Stress and anxiety are the number one trigger for many adults.

  • Misaligned teeth or bite issues.

  • Sleep disorders, especially sleep apnea.

  • Medications like antidepressants, stimulants, and antipsychotics.

  • Family history, yes, it can be genetic.

Say goodbye to jaw pain and hello to restful nights.

With Caspersmile's night guards, take the first step toward a healthier, grind-free smile.

Order here
Order here

Do night guards help with teeth grinding?

A hand holding a Caspersmile night guard

Absolutely, and they're often the first line of defense.

A night guard is best for nighttime bruxism treatment, acts as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth. It absorbs pressure from clenching and grinding, reducing damage to your teeth and relieving jaw tension.
At Caspersmile, we specialize in custom night guards designed to match the unique shape of your bite. Unlike generic store-bought options, Caspersmile night guards are:

  • Custom-fit for comfort and stability

  • Durable enough for heavy grinders

  • Slim and breathable, they won't disturb your sleep

  • Delivered to your door, so no dentist visit required

Our at-home impression kit makes it easy, and our dental-grade materials mean you get professional protection without the professional price tag.

What's the best night guard for grinding teeth?

When it comes to protecting your teeth during the night, finding the right night guard is essential. The best night guard is one that fits seamlessly, ensuring comfort and allowing you to sleep soundly without any disturbances. Caspersmile offers personalized night guards designed specifically for your unique dental structure.

Our products are crafted from high-quality materials, including soft options for those who experience mild grinding and dual-laminate choices for individuals with more intense grinding habits. This level of customization ensures that whether you are a light grinder or someone who tends to clench their teeth throughout the night, you will have a solution that is not only effective but also durable. With Caspersmile, you can rest easy knowing your teeth are well protected while you enjoy a peaceful night's sleep.

How to prevent bruxism at night

While wearing a night guard helps protect your teeth, managing the causes of nighttime bruxism is key for long-term relief.

Try this:

  • De-stress before bed: Stretch, meditate, or listen to calming music

  • Skip caffeine and alcohol in the evening

  • Stick to a consistent sleep schedule

  • Massage your jaw muscles before sleeping

  • Talk to a dentist or doctor if symptoms persist

Night guard for bruxism: Sleep better with Caspersmile

Bruxism can develop without notice but can often lead to a detrimental state of the dream world and dental health, resulting in both discomfort and damage to your teeth.

Caspersmile has designed a solution that provides comfort, dentist-quality night guards to get you through the night without damaging your teeth. They are delivered directly to your front door customized for your mouth, so you can deal with bruxism comfortably while getting a good night's sleep and protecting your smile.

FAQs

FAQs
No, but about 10% of adults experience sleep bruxism and often without realizing it.
Jaw clenching, TMJ disorders, or sleep apnea can mimic bruxism symptoms like jaw pain or headaches.
Hard guards are better for severe grinding; soft guards work for light clenching but wear out faster.
Bruxism usually occurs during lighter stages of non-REM sleep, especially Stage 1 and Stage 2.

Related Blogs

https-caspersmile-uk-blogs-blog-night-guards-vs-other-treatment-options-for-teeth-grinding

https://caspersmile.uk/blogs/blog/discover-the-surprising-benefits-of-wearing-a-mouth-guard-at-night-for-bruxism-relief

https://caspersmile.uk/blogs/blog/soft-vs-hard-night-guards

Citations

Website, N. (2025c, June 20). Teeth grinding (bruxism). nhs.uk.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-grinding/

Bruxism (Teeth grinding). (2025, June 2). Cleveland Clinic.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10955-teeth-grinding-bruxism