You might be taking excellent care of your teeth during the day — but what happens while you’re asleep?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can place significant forces on your teeth. Some people grind or clench without even knowing they’re doing it until their dentist notices signs of wear or their partner hears them grinding at night.
Over time, excessive grinding may contribute to worn, chipped or cracked teeth.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth.
It can occur while you’re awake or asleep. Sleep bruxism can be particularly difficult to recognise because you may be completely unaware that it’s happening.
Some people grind occasionally without developing significant problems. For others, repeated or heavy grinding can cause considerable tooth wear.
What Are the Signs of Teeth Grinding?
Possible signs include:
- Flattened or worn teeth
- Small chips or fractures
- Cracks in teeth or restorations
- Tooth sensitivity
- Jaw muscle tenderness
- Headaches, particularly after waking
- Tight or tired jaw muscles
- Damage to fillings or crowns
Sometimes the first indication is something your dentist identifies during a routine examination.
Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?
There isn’t always one identifiable cause.
Factors associated with bruxism can include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Sleep-related factors
- Certain medications
- Lifestyle factors
- Individual bite and muscle patterns
Because several factors can contribute, it’s important to assess the individual rather than assuming every case has the same cause.
Can Grinding Actually Damage Your Teeth?
Yes, particularly when grinding is frequent or heavy.
Natural teeth are designed to withstand normal chewing forces. Repetitive grinding can subject them to additional forces for prolonged periods.
Over time, this may contribute to:
- Loss of tooth structure
- Shorter-looking teeth
- Chipped enamel
- Cracked teeth
- Broken fillings
- Damage to crowns or other restorations
- Increased sensitivity
Severely worn teeth may eventually require more extensive restorative treatment.
What Is a Night Guard?
A dental night guard — also called an occlusal splint — is a custom-made appliance that is usually worn while sleeping.
It creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth.
A splint doesn’t necessarily stop the underlying grinding behaviour, but in suitable patients it can help protect the teeth and dental restorations from direct grinding forces.
Custom Night Guard vs Over-the-Counter Night Guard
You may have seen inexpensive boil-and-bite guards available online or from pharmacies.
A professionally made dental splint is different.
It is custom-made based on your teeth and bite, allowing your dentist to assess how the upper and lower teeth interact with the appliance.
The appropriate type of appliance depends on your individual circumstances, so an assessment is recommended before long-term use.
How Do We Check for Teeth Grinding?
During your dental examination, we can look for signs such as:
- Unusual tooth wear
- Small fractures
- Cracks
- Changes to tooth shape
- Damaged restorations
- Muscle or jaw symptoms
We may also ask about symptoms such as morning jaw discomfort or headaches.
Importantly, not every worn tooth is caused by grinding. Acid erosion, brushing habits and other factors can also contribute to tooth wear.
Can Worn Teeth Be Repaired?
Depending on the amount of damage, treatment options may include:
- Monitoring
- Composite restorations
- Crowns or other restorations
- Management of contributing factors
- A protective night guard
Significant tooth wear may require more comprehensive treatment planning.
Where possible, identifying excessive wear early can help reduce the risk of further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if I grind my teeth while sleeping?
You may not know. Your partner may hear grinding, or your dentist may identify characteristic wear patterns during an examination.
2. Will a night guard stop me grinding?
A night guard doesn’t necessarily eliminate bruxism. Its primary role in many cases is protecting the teeth and restorations from grinding forces.
3. How long does a night guard last?
This varies considerably depending on the material, the severity of grinding and how the appliance is cared for. Heavy grinders may wear through appliances more quickly.
4. Should everyone who grinds their teeth have a night guard?
Not necessarily. Your dentist should assess your teeth, symptoms and individual risk factors before recommending treatment.
5. Can stress cause teeth grinding?
Stress may contribute to bruxism in some people, although it isn’t the only possible factor.
6. Are You Grinding Your Teeth?
If you’ve noticed worn or chipped teeth, regularly wake with a tired jaw, or have been told that you grind your teeth while sleeping, it may be worth having your teeth assessed.
At CQ Dental Studio in Rockhampton, we can examine your teeth for signs of bruxism and discuss whether monitoring, restorative treatment or a custom night guard may be appropriate.
Contact CQ Dental Studio to arrange a dental assessment in Rockhampton.
