Ever wake up with jaw pain, sore teeth, or a cranky mood? You might be grinding your teeth at night without even realizing it. At Northland Smiles Dental in Calgary, we often see patients struggling with sleep bruxism – a common sleep-related movement disorder that can sneakily wear down your smile.
Think of your teeth like a sidewalk, constant pressure and friction from grinding can slowly crack and crumble even the toughest surface. Whether you’re dealing with jaw clenching, broken teeth, or sensitive teeth, there are real solutions to ease your symptoms and protect your oral health.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through why people grind their teeth, how to recognize it, and the most effective teeth grinding treatment options.
What Is Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?
Bruxism is when you unconsciously grind, clench, or press your upper and lower teeth together, usually during sleep, but sometimes while you’re awake.
There are two types:
Sleep Bruxism: Happens during sleep, often alongside sleep disorders like sleep apnea or night terrors.
Awake Bruxism: Occurs during waking hours, especially if you’re concentrating hard or dealing with stress or anxiety.
Over time, this can wear down your adult teeth, stress your jaw joints (a.k.a. the temporomandibular joint), and cause chronic jaw pain.
Why Do People Grind Their Teeth at Night?
Many people grind their teeth at night due to physical, emotional, or lifestyle risk factors. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Cause | Why It Triggers Grinding | How to Ease Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
Stress & Anxiety | Increases jaw muscle tension during sleep | Reduce stress with calming bedtime routines |
Sleep Disorders | Conditions like obstructive sleep apnea disrupt sleep patterns | Ask your doctor about a sleep study |
Dental Issues | Misaligned or missing teeth cause uneven pressure | Explore dental correction or braces |
Stimulants | Caffeine, alcohol consumption, or recreational drugs | Avoid these before bed, especially more than six cups of coffee |
Certain Medications | Some are known to have teeth grinding bruxism as a side effect | Talk to your doctor about alternatives |
Understanding what’s causing bruxism helps you choose the best treatment options.
Signs and Symptoms of Nighttime Teeth Grinding
If you’re wondering whether you grind your teeth, check for these telltale signs:
You may also notice you’re avoiding chewing gum or hard foods because of discomfort.
How to Stop Grinding Teeth at Night: 7 Proven Strategies
Here’s how to get ahead of teeth grinding and finally give your top and bottom teeth a break.
1. Get a Custom Nightguard
A custom mouth guard, made of hard plastic, is designed to fit your bite and protect your teeth from grinding. Unlike store-bought options, a dentist-made mouthguard cushions your jaw and reduces pressure on the temporomandibular joint.
2. Reduce Stress Before Bed
Stress is a major player in developing bruxism. Activities like deep breathing, journaling, or gentle stretching help relax your jaw muscles.
Try this: Set a “wind-down” routine an hour before bed to reduce stress naturally.
3. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol in the Evening
Stimulants like coffee, energy drinks, and alcohol can disrupt sleep and lead to teeth grinding. Even drink alcohol habits in small amounts can affect your sleep quality.
Avoid caffeine after lunch and alcohol consumption after dinner to protect your sleep habits.
4. Correct Bite Alignment if Needed
An uneven bite or missing teeth can put strain on your jaw joints. With dental correction, like braces or crowns, you can reduce this pressure.
Try this: Ask about a bite assessment to see if alignment is part of your problem.
5. Treat Underlying Sleep Disorders
Conditions like obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal (stomach) reflux disorder can increase the chance you’ll grind your teeth during sleep. These medical conditions also worsen sleep problems.
A sleep study can rule out deeper issues and help get the right care in place.
6. Try Jaw Exercises and Physical Therapy
Strengthening and relaxing the jaw muscles with daily stretches can ease the tension that causes grinding. Think of it like a workout for your jaw.
Try this: Gently open and close your mouth, stretch side to side, and massage the area in front of your ears.
7. Consider Botox for Severe Cases
For severe cases where traditional methods aren’t helping, botox injections can relax the jaw muscles and stop grinding. It’s typically used when muscle relaxants don’t cut it.
If you’re still struggling, talk to your dentist or doctor about this treatment option.
When to See a Dentist About Teeth Grinding
You should see a dentist if:
You’re feeling pain in your jaw, face, or teeth regularly
You have tooth damage, loose teeth, or noticeable tooth sensitivity
You’ve tried at-home tips but still grind your teeth
We’ll check your jaw clenching habits, evaluate your upper and lower teeth, and recommend personalized care.
How a Dentist Can Help You Stop Grinding Your Teeth
At Northland Smiles Dental, we help NW Calgary patients treat bruxism with:
Custom mouth guards: Designed for your upper and lower teeth for long-term protection
Dental correction: Fix alignment issues that may be causing bruxism
Monitoring and support: Regular checkups to track progress and ease symptoms
Final Thoughts: Take Action to Protect Your Smile
Left untreated, teeth grinding can lead to tooth damage, loose teeth, and even long-term issues with the temporomandibular joint. But the good news? Bruxism can be treated, often with simple tools and stress-relief strategies.
Ready to stop the grind and start sleeping peacefully?
Book your appointment at Northland Smiles Dental today and let’s build a plan that keeps your teeth safe and your sleep sound.
FAQs on Preventing Sleep Bruxism
Can teeth grinding go away on its own, or does it always need treatment?
Teeth grinding can sometimes resolve on its own, especially if caused by temporary stress. However, chronic bruxism often requires treatment to prevent damage.
Are there specific sleep positions that help reduce teeth grinding?
Sleeping on your back with proper head and neck support may reduce pressure on the jaw, while stomach sleeping can worsen bruxism symptoms.
