Teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, is repetitive activity of the jaw muscles during sleep or while awake, often linked to stress, sleep patterns and lifestyle habits. A night guard does not remove the cause, but it protects your teeth, fillings and crowns from wear and fracture. Management usually combines a guard, habit awareness, stress management and, when needed, input from other specialists.
A definitive diagnosis and treatment plan are made by a dentist after an examination.
Sleep bruxism and awake bruxism
International consensus reports by Lobbezoo and colleagues (2013, 2018) describe two distinct forms. Sleep bruxism involves rhythmic grinding or clenching at night, usually noticed by a partner. Awake bruxism is clenching or bracing the jaw during the day, often while concentrating. The reports also note that bruxism is not always a disorder; in some people it causes no harm.
What causes teeth grinding?
There is no single cause, and current thinking points mainly to the central nervous system rather than the bite alone. Associated factors include:
- stress, anxiety and demanding work schedules;
- sleep problems such as snoring and sleep apnoea;
- caffeine, alcohol and smoking;
- some medications, including certain antidepressants.
If sleep apnoea is suspected, your dentist may suggest seeing a sleep specialist.
Signs to look out for
- tired or tight jaw muscles in the morning;
- morning headaches around the temples;
- flattened, chipped or cracked teeth;
- tooth sensitivity to cold;
- repeatedly broken fillings or crowns;
- clicking or pain in the jaw joint.
How a night guard helps
A custom night guard is a hard acrylic splint made from a scan or impression of your teeth. It takes the grinding forces instead of your enamel, protecting natural teeth, zirconia crowns and porcelain veneers. It will not stop the muscle activity itself, but some people report less morning muscle fatigue. Soft over-the-counter guards may fit poorly, so a custom-made guard is usually preferred.
Clean the guard each morning with cool water and a soft brush, and store it dry in its case.
Beyond the guard
For awake bruxism, the rule "lips together, teeth apart, tongue on the palate" helps many people. Phone reminders, cutting down evening caffeine and alcohol, and regular sleep can support this. Jaw exercises or physiotherapy may help when muscle pain is prominent. Where wear is advanced, Dr Mehmet Fuat Bozaba and our team can plan restorative treatment together.
Frequently asked questions
Can teeth grinding be cured?
It often cannot be eliminated completely, but it can be managed. Reducing stress or treating sleep problems helps some people significantly, while a guard protects the teeth.
Do I need to wear the guard every night?
Regular use is usually recommended for sleep bruxism. On nights without it, your teeth are unprotected. Your dentist will advise on how to use it.
Is grinding in children normal?
Night-time grinding is common in children and often decreases with age. See a dentist if there is marked wear, snoring or disturbed sleep.
Can a night guard cause problems?
A well-fitted guard is generally well tolerated. A poorly fitting one can shift the bite or feel uncomfortable, which is why it is adjusted and reviewed by the dentist.
References
- Lobbezoo F, Ahlberg J, Glaros AG, et al. Bruxism defined and graded: an international consensus. J Oral Rehabil. 2013;40(1):2–4.
- Lobbezoo F, Ahlberg J, Raphael KG, et al. International consensus on the assessment of bruxism: Report of a work in progress. J Oral Rehabil. 2018;45(11):837–844.
- Manfredini D, Winocur E, Guarda-Nardini L, Paesani D, Lobbezoo F. Epidemiology of bruxism in adults: a systematic review of the literature. J Orofac Pain. 2013;27(2):99–110.
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Medically reviewed by the dentists of Yayla Dental Akademi.