I Grind My Teeth at Night: Can You Help?

If every morning brings the same routine of waking up with a dull headache or throbbing jaw, you are likely grinding your teeth in your sleep. Also known as sleep bruxism, it’s an unconscious habit that can lead to serious dental problems down the line, including tooth wear, cracked teeth, and joint issues in your jaw.

While bruxism can happen anytime, it’s generally more severe at night. When you’re awake, you can consciously relax your jaw muscles. But during sleep, you’re unaware of the force — up to 250 pounds of clenching strength — you’re exerting on your teeth.

At Shara Miller DDS, Dr. Miller and her expert team offer a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry services to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. If you’re concerned about the potential damage of bruxism or are already noticing the signs of wear and tear, we can help.

Signs of sleep bruxism: Do I grind my teeth at night?

You may not even know it’s happening until a loved one mentions they can hear you grinding your teeth at night. You might also experience symptoms like jaw pain, neck pain, or a dull headache upon waking up.

It can be tricky to pinpoint a single cause for sleep bruxism. Multiple factors can make you more likely to clench or grind your teeth at night, such as:

• Stress and anxiety
• Sleep apnea
• Genetics
• Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption
• Tobacco use
• Certain medications

Without management, bruxism can have serious long-term consequences. Constant grinding wears down tooth enamel, leading to sensitive, cracked, or chipped teeth. Sometimes, it can loosen teeth or cause them to fall out.

The damage doesn’t stop at your teeth, however. Bruxism can also strain the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your lower jaw to your skull. This condition can result in uncomfortable symptoms, including jaw pain, earaches, and difficulty chewing.

Protect your teeth with a customized mouthguard

Wearing a mouthguard at night is one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of sleep bruxism. Dr. Miller and the team offer custom-made mouthguards designed to fit you perfectly.

Unlike one-size-fits-all mouthguards, which can be bulky, uncomfortable, and ineffective, our custom mouthguards get tailored to your specific bite and jaw structure,  ensuring personalized protection and comfort while you sleep.

Our mouthguards can significantly reduce the damage caused by teeth grinding by providing a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. They’re also ideal for athletes who participate in contact sports, absorbing impact and preventing injuries to your teeth and jaw.

Easing the discomfort of sleep bruxism

Bruxism can be unpredictable, with symptoms flaring up from time to time. Here are some ways you can take action at home to alleviate discomfort:

• Eat softer foods, like smoothies, yogurt, or soups
• Avoid chewing gum and hard foods like candies or popcorn
• Try gentle facial exercises to relax your jaw muscles

Dr. Miller and her team can help you feel more confident and comfortable whether you’re looking to prevent the damaging effects of bruxism with a custom mouthguard or need a smile makeover after years of clenching and grinding. Call our office in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, or South Beach Miami, Florida, or use our Book Online feature to schedule an appointment today.