Teeth Grinding: Mouth Guards and How to Stop

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, means clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth together, often without knowing it. It can happen while you are awake or asleep. Most people who grind at night only find out when a partner hears it, when they wake up with a sore jaw, or when their dentist spots the wear on their teeth. Occasional grinding may do little harm, but regular grinding can wear down teeth, break fillings, and strain the jaw.

Signs You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth

• a sore, tight, or tired jaw, especially when you wake up
• headaches around the temples in the morning
• teeth that look flat, worn, chipped, or cracked
• more sensitive teeth
• worn or broken fillings
• pain in the jaw, face, or ear
• a partner who hears you grinding at night

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

It isn’t always clear why people grind their teeth, but according to the NHS, it is often linked to:

• stress and anxiety, the most common cause
• sleep problems, such as snoring and sleep apnea
• some medicines for sleep problems, depression, or anxiety
• alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and recreational drugs

If you snore loudly or wake up tired, mention it to your dentist. Grinding and sleep apnea and snoring are often linked.

How Grinding Damages Your Teeth and Jaw

Grinding puts more force on the teeth than normal chewing, often night after night. Over time, it can wear down enamel, chip or crack teeth, loosen fillings and crowns, and overwork the jaw muscles and joints, which can lead to jaw pain and TMJ problems. The extra force may also contribute to receding gums. Tooth wear is permanent, so protecting your teeth early matters.

How a Night Guard Protects Your Teeth

A night guard, also called a mouth guard or splint, is a thin, removable guard worn over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It doesn’t stop grinding or clenching, but it takes the force instead of your teeth, which protects your enamel, your dental work, and your jaw.

• Custom night guards are made from a scan or impression of your teeth, so they fit precisely, stay in place, and are more comfortable to sleep in. At Green Apple Dental, custom night guards are made from a quick 3D scan and 3D-printed in our clinic, and they are often ready in a few days.
• Store-bought guards cost less, but they are bulkier, fit less precisely, and grinding can wear through them quickly. They can protect your teeth for a short time while you wait for a custom guard.

A night guard is different from a sports mouthguard, which is designed to protect your teeth from impact during contact sports.

How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth

There is no single cure, but these steps can help reduce grinding and ease the strain on your jaw:

• Manage stress. Regular exercise, breathing exercises, and winding down before bed can help. If stress or anxiety affects your daily life, talk to your doctor.
• Improve your sleep. Go to bed at the same time each night, and keep your bedroom dark and quiet.
• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening.
• Quit smoking. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you find a plan that works for you.
• Notice daytime clenching. When you are not eating, keep your lips together and your teeth slightly apart.
• Avoid chewing gum, pens, or ice, which keep your jaw muscles working.
• Ease a sore jaw. An ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 20 to 30 minutes, or an over-the-counter painkiller, can help when your jaw hurts.
• Review your medications. If grinding started after you began a new medicine, ask your doctor whether the two could be related. Don’t stop a medication without medical advice.

Teeth Grinding in Children

Grinding is common in children, and many grow out of it. Mention it at your child’s next checkup, especially if they complain of jaw pain or their teeth look worn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a night guard stop me from grinding my teeth?

No. A night guard protects your teeth and jaw from the force of grinding, but it doesn’t stop the habit. Managing stress and cutting back on caffeine and alcohol can help you grind less.

How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?

Common signs are a sore jaw or a headache in the morning, sensitive or worn teeth, and a partner who hears it. Your dentist can also spot the wear at a checkup.

Is a custom night guard better than a store-bought one?

For nightly use, a custom guard fits more precisely, is more comfortable, and lasts longer. A store-bought guard can protect your teeth for a short time while you wait for a custom one.

Think You Grind Your Teeth?

Book a checkup at our Fleetwood or Newton clinic in Surrey, or book online. We will check your teeth for signs of wear and talk through whether a night guard is right for you.