Most people who grind their teeth at night have no idea they're doing it. They just wake up with a tight jaw, a headache, or a partner who says, "You were doing that thing again."
Grinding and clenching, called bruxism, is common. Left alone, it can slowly wear down teeth, crack fillings, and make your jaw miserable. The good news is that it's usually easy to spot once you know what to look for, and a night guard protects your teeth while you sleep.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
The most common signs are a sore or tight jaw when you wake up, a dull headache near your temples, and teeth that look flat, chipped, or worn. Because it happens during sleep, a partner hearing a grinding sound is often the first clue. Your dentist may also spot it during a routine exam before you notice anything.
Other signs, according to Mayo Clinic:
- Teeth that are more sensitive than they used to be
- Chipped, fractured, or loose teeth
- Jaw muscles that feel tired or tight
- Pain that feels like an earache but isn't coming from the ear
- Damage on the inside of your cheek from chewing it
- Disrupted sleep
You don't need all of these. Morning jaw soreness plus flattening or chipping on the biting edges is enough reason to bring it up at your next visit.
Grinding at night vs. clenching during the day
There are two types, and many people have both.
- Sleep bruxism happens while you're asleep. It's considered a sleep-related movement disorder and is often linked with other sleep problems, including snoring and sleep apnea.
- Awake bruxism usually shows up as clenching, not grinding. It tends to happen when you're concentrating, stressed, or driving. Many people notice it at their desk or during their commute once they start paying attention.
A night guard handles the nighttime part. Daytime clenching is mostly about catching the habit. A simple trick is to remember "lips together, teeth apart." Your teeth shouldn't be touching when you're at rest.
What causes teeth grinding?
There usually isn't one single cause. Common factors include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, especially later in the day
- Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
- Certain medications, including some antidepressants
- Family history. Sleep bruxism tends to run in families.
If you snore heavily or wake up exhausted along with the jaw soreness, mention it to your dentist and your doctor. Grinding and sleep apnea sometimes show up together, and treating the sleep issue may help the grinding.
What does grinding do to your teeth over time?
Your jaw muscles can generate a lot of force, and at night you're not holding back. Over months and years, grinding can:
- Wear enamel down, which can lead to sensitive teeth
- Chip or crack teeth and fillings
- Break down older dental work faster than normal
- Contribute to jaw joint (TMJ) pain and clicking
- Cause frequent tension headaches
Severe wear sometimes needs restorative work like crowns to rebuild worn or cracked teeth. That's the main reason dentists push for a night guard early: it's far easier to protect teeth than to rebuild them.
Do I need a night guard?
If your dentist sees signs of grinding damage, or you have regular morning jaw soreness or headaches, a night guard is usually the first recommendation. It's a thin, hard or semi-hard appliance you wear over your teeth while you sleep. It doesn't stop the grinding itself. It takes the force so your teeth don't.
You may not need one if your grinding is mild, occasional, and not causing wear or symptoms. Your dentist can tell you which camp you're in by looking at your teeth and jaw.
Store-bought night guard vs. custom night guard
This is the question most people are actually trying to answer.
| Store-Bought (Stock or Boil-and-Bite) | Custom (Made by a Dentist) | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Generic or roughly molded at home | Made from impressions or scans of your teeth |
| Comfort | Often bulky; some people stop wearing them | Thinner and more comfortable for most people |
| Durability | Can wear through quickly with heavy grinding | Can last several years with proper care |
| Bite | Can shift how your teeth come together if poorly fitted | Adjusted to your bite by the dentist |
| Upfront Cost | Lower | Higher; may be partly covered by some dental plans |
A store-bought guard can be a reasonable short-term option while you figure out whether you're grinding. But if you grind hard, a cheap guard often gets chewed through, and a guard that's uncomfortable ends up in the nightstand drawer. The best night guard is the one you'll actually wear.
What happens at a dental visit for teeth grinding?
At our Tri-Cities offices, a grinding evaluation is usually part of a regular exam. Your dentist may:
- Ask about jaw soreness, headaches, sleep, caffeine, and stress
- Look for flattened, chipped, or cracked teeth and worn fillings
- Feel the jaw muscles and joints for tenderness
- Take X-rays if they suspect cracks or other damage
- Recommend a night guard if needed and take impressions or scans to make it
If anything already needs repair, like a cracked filling, your dentist will walk you through those options too.
How to take care of a night guard
A few simple habits help it last:
- Rinse it with cool water every morning and brush it gently
- Let it air dry before putting it away
- Store it in a vented case, away from pets. Dogs love chewing them.
- Keep it away from heat, including hot water and a hot car, which can warp it
- Bring it to your checkups so your dentist can check the fit and wear
Talk to us about teeth grinding
If you wake up with a sore jaw or your teeth are starting to look worn, it's worth getting checked before small wear turns into a cracked tooth. We see patients at any of our 3 offices, West Richland, Pasco, Kennewick, always accepting new patients.
Request an appointment and ask about grinding at your visit. If you still have dental benefits left this year, it's a good time to check whether your plan covers a night guard. No insurance? Ask about our Membership Club.
Common questions about teeth grinding
Q. Can You Stop Grinding Your Teeth?
A. Sometimes. Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, managing stress, and treating sleep problems like sleep apnea can reduce grinding for some people. A night guard won't stop the grinding, but it protects your teeth while you work on the cause.
Q. Is a Night Guard the Same as a Sports Mouthguard?
A. No. Sports mouthguards are thick and soft to absorb impact. Night guards are thinner and built to handle grinding pressure night after night.
Q. How Long Does a Custom Night Guard Last?
A. With good care, a custom night guard can last several years. Heavy grinders may wear through one sooner. Your dentist can check it for wear at your regular visits.
Q. Do Kids Grind Their Teeth?
A. Yes, grinding is fairly common in children and often decreases as they grow. Let your child's dentist know if you hear grinding or notice worn teeth or jaw complaints.
Q. Does Dental Insurance Cover Night Guards?
A. Some plans cover them and some don't. Coverage and limits vary. Our team can help you check your benefits before you commit.
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