The ultimate guide to teeth grinding: Causes, effects & best guards

"You might not notice it, but your teeth do."

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is one of those sneaky habits that slips in under the radar until the damage is done. You wake up with a dull headache, feel a sudden chip appear on your tooth, or feel a tight, sore jaw when you wake up in the morning, all signs of bruxism.

Bruxism can be tricky since it occurs during sleep, which many don't recognize as a bad habit; in many cases, it takes a dentist or a sleep partner to take note of any symptoms. This is potentially very harmful, considering that the longer it goes untreated, it can lead to serious tooth wear, dental damage, jaw disorders, and even affect the body's natural sleep cycle.

In this ultimate guide, we will cover what causes teeth grinding, the effects of teeth grinding on teeth and jaw, how to notice bruxism symptoms, and best practices, including night guards for bruxism, to prevent further damage and wear to your teeth. Whether a night grinder or daytime grinder, this guide will show you how to take action before it's too late.

What is teeth grinding (Bruxism)?

Bruxism is a condition where someone tightens, gnashes, or grinds their teeth without realizing. It can occur during the day (awake bruxism) or, more frequently, at night (sleep bruxism). Bruxism can exert as much as 250 pounds of pressure, creating significant strain on your teeth, jaw, and muscles.

For some, grinding is a transient experience when they're under stress, but for others, it becomes a learned behavior or a habit, which will wear enamel, drift teeth out of alignment, and cause tension in the muscles. Sadly, many people who suffer from bruxism aren't even aware that they have it until they see the damage.

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Common bruxism symptoms: Your body's telling you something

Recognizing bruxism symptoms early is crucial. The longer you wait, the more damage it can cause. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can often go unnoticed until it leads to noticeable symptoms. Here are some of the most common signs that may indicate you're grinding your teeth:

• Tight or sore jaw muscles: Many people experience tension in their jaw, particularly upon waking. This discomfort can make it difficult to fully open your mouth or chew food.

• Tooth sensitivity: If you notice an increased sensitivity to hot or cold beverages, it might be related to the wear and tear on your teeth caused by grinding. This can lead to discomfort when consuming your favorite foods and drinks.

• Worn-down or flattened teeth: Over time, the surfaces of your teeth can become flattened or worn down due to the constant grinding motion. This can alter your bite and lead to more significant dental issues.

• Chipped or cracked teeth: If you find yourself with teeth that are chipped or cracked without any specific trauma, bruxism could be the underlying cause. The excessive force can lead to serious damage over time.

• Popping or clicking in the jaw joint: You might hear or feel a popping or clicking sound when moving your jaw, particularly when yawning or eating. This could indicate stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

• Headaches or earaches: Many individuals experience frequent headaches, especially around the temples, or earaches in the morning or after prolonged periods of grinding.

• Facial pain: Pain and discomfort can also radiate to the face, especially in the areas surrounding the temples and cheeks, making daily activities uncomfortable.

• Indentations on your tongue: Pressing your tongue against your teeth while grinding can leave indentations or marks on the surface of your tongue, which can be an indicator of the condition.

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, it's essential to delve deeper into the underlying causes of teeth grinding. Stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and misaligned teeth are just a few factors that can contribute to the issue. Addressing these causes can help you not only stop grinding but also protect your dental health in the long run.

What causes teeth grinding?

Understanding the root causes of bruxism helps in finding the right solution. There's no single answer; multiple factors can trigger teeth grinding, often overlapping.

Emotional stress and anxiety

This is the leading cause. Emotional tension tends to manifest physically, and jaw clenching is a natural, unconscious reaction to internal stress. Work deadlines, financial worries, or emotional burnout can all lead to nighttime grinding. People dealing with high-pressure situations often exhibit more severe bruxism symptoms without realizing it.

Sleep disorders

People with sleep apnea, snoring issues, or interrupted sleep patterns are at higher risk of developing bruxism. When your sleep cycles are disturbed, the body can react with involuntary muscle movements, including jaw tension and grinding.

Bite misalignment (Malocclusion)

If your upper and lower teeth don't fit together properly, your body may instinctively grind to ‘correct' the alignment during sleep. This misalignment creates constant pressure and can worsen bruxism over time.

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Certain medications or stimulants

Some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or antipsychotic drugs list bruxism as a side effect. Likewise, stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, especially when consumed before bed, can trigger grinding by interfering with your REM sleep.

Neurological and medical conditions

In rare cases, teeth grinding can be associated with neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or ADHD. These disorders can disrupt motor control and muscle movement, resulting in subconscious grinding.

Effects of teeth grinding on teeth and jaw

What makes bruxism particularly concerning is its ability to cause long-term physical damage, even when you don't feel it happening.

Let's look at the effects of teeth grinding on teeth and the jaw more closely.

Dental damage

Jaw complications

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull. When subjected to frequent pressure from grinding, this joint becomes inflamed, leading to:

Facial muscle pain and migraines

Because jaw clenching involves the facial and neck muscles, prolonged tension leads to migraines, tension headaches, and even earaches.

How to stop grinding teeth at night: Practical strategies

So, you're wondering: How do I stop grinding my teeth at night? While there's no single magic fix, several strategies can dramatically reduce or eliminate nighttime bruxism.

Stress and anxiety management

Since stress is a leading cause, learning to manage it can reduce symptoms.

Establish a relaxing sleep routine

Quality sleep can help minimize grinding. Create a calming pre-sleep ritual.

Dietary adjustments

Avoid:

Stay hydrated and eat magnesium-rich foods like bananas, spinach, and almonds, which help relax muscles.

Corrective dental treatments

In some cases, you may get:

Types of night guards: The best defense against teeth grinding

Arguably, the most effective solution for protecting your teeth is using a night guard for bruxism. These oral appliances create a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth, reducing pressure and preventing damage. Here are some types of night guards:

Custom-fitted guards like those offered by Caspersmile

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Boil-and-bite guards

Stock nightguards

Why Caspersmile Night Guards stand out

Here is why Caspersmile is the best night guard for teeth grinding:

• Delivers guards to your doorstep

• Have multiple options like soft, hard, and hybrid night guards

• Made of BPA-free plastic

• Minimize noise for your sleeping partner with maximum comfort

• Improve sleep quality by reducing muscle activity

When should you see a dentist?

If you're experiencing bruxism symptoms more than occasionally, it's time to consult a dentist. Signs that require professional evaluation include:

• Persistent jaw soreness

• Chipped or cracked teeth without injury

• Regular morning headaches

• Difficulty chewing or clicking in the jaw

Your dentist may recommend further evaluations or refer you to a sleep specialist to rule out sleep apnea or other conditions.

Teeth grinding in children: Should parents worry?

Bruxism isn't just an adult problem. Many children grind their teeth, especially when they're teething or facing emotional stress (like school changes or moving homes).
Usually, childhood bruxism fades as they grow older. However, if you notice your child complaining of jaw pain, having trouble sleeping, or visibly grinding their teeth, consult a pediatric dentist. A custom dental night guard might be recommended in severe cases.

Don't let teeth grinding erode more than your smile

Grinding your teeth might seem like a small issue, but it can be a hidden threat to your dental health, your sleep, and your overall comfort. Recognizing the symptoms early on, understanding your triggers for teeth grinding, and trying to carefully intervene with damage control by employing preventive techniques, like using night guards for bruxism, can make a huge difference.
Even if you are just beginning to experience symptoms or have suffered from jaw clenching for many years, it's never too late to act! Talk to your dentist, see what stress reduction alternatives you can use, and invest in the proper tools to help preserve your smile.

FAQs

What is the best dental guard for grinding teeth? +

A custom-fitted night guard from your dentist offers the best fit, comfort, and protection for grinding teeth.

Do teeth grinding guards work? +

Yes, they prevent enamel wear, reduce jaw pain, and protect your teeth from further damage.

Is teeth grinding an ADHD thing? +

Yes, people with ADHD may be more likely to grind their teeth due to hyperactivity, anxiety, or medication side effects.

Can I wear a retainer if I grind my teeth? +

No, a retainer is not meant for teeth grinding, and it can break, so a night guard is preferred for this purpose.

Reviewer: Dr. Ardra Kilaparti

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