If you find yourself waking up with jaw soreness or headaches, or if your partner complains about grinding sounds at night, you might be dealing with bruxism, also known as teeth grinding. While it might seem like a minor annoyance, grinding your teeth can lead to serious dental and health issues if left untreated. Cashmere Family Dentistry cares deeply about helping our community protect their smiles, and that includes preventing teeth grinding before it causes permanent damage.
How Teeth Grinding Happens
Teeth grinding can occur when you’re awake or asleep, but it often happens at night when you’re unaware of it. The condition is usually linked to stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, or even an abnormal bite. Certain medications and lifestyle habits, such as excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, can also make it more likely to occur.
With bruxism, you exert excessive pressure on your jaw and teeth. Over time, this can lead to worn enamel, cracked or chipped teeth, sensitivity, receding gums, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. Preventing teeth grinding early is key to protecting your long-term oral health and avoiding complex restorative treatments later.
Common Signs of Teeth Grinding
- Morning jaw pain or tightness
- Frequent headaches or earaches
- Tooth sensitivity or worn-down enamel
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Trouble sleeping or restless nights
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially in combination with one another, it might be time to consult with Dr. Janie or Dr. Ryan Busk to explore some solutions.
Tips to Prevent Teeth Grinding
- Manage Stress: Stress is one of the most common causes of bruxism. Incorporate calming activities into your day, such as meditation, deep-breathing exercises, journaling, or yoga, to help your mind and body unwind.
- Establish a Bedtime Routine: Do your best to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, if your schedule allows it. Turn off screens an hour before bed, take a warm bath, or listen to calming music to encourage restful sleep.
- Cut Back on Stimulants: Avoid coffee, soda, chocolate, and alcohol—especially after 2 PM. These substances can interfere with your sleep cycle and increase muscle tension during rest.
- Avoid Chewing on Non-Food Items: Chewing on pens, fingernails, or even gum can train your jaw muscles to stay active, making nighttime grinding more likely.
- Exercise Regularly: A brisk walk, a short jog, or even stretching can help release built-up physical tension, reducing your overall stress load and improving sleep quality.
- Check Your Alignment: If your teeth don’t come together properly, your jaw may try to “fix” the problem by grinding. A simple dental evaluation can reveal whether an alignment issue is contributing to your bruxism.
- Use a Nightguard: One of the most effective tools in preventing teeth grinding is a custom-made nightguard. These devices are designed to comfortably fit your bite and act as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, protecting your enamel and jaw while you sleep.
We also want to mention that most of these tips also apply to our pediatric patients experiencing teeth grinding. If it continues beyond age 6 to 7, we might consider integrating a nightguard into their routine.
Other Solutions & Treatments for Bruxism
Preventing teeth grinding often requires a multi-faceted approach. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments available at Cashmere Family Dentistry, or directions we can recommend for you to go in:
- Dental Corrections: In some cases, adjusting bite alignment through orthodontics, reshaping teeth, or restorative dentistry can reduce or eliminate grinding.
- Sleep Disorder Screening: Since bruxism is sometimes linked to conditions like sleep apnea, a sleep study may be recommended for some patients.
- Muscle Relaxants or Botulinum Injections: For the most severe cases of bruxism, prescription treatments or therapeutic Botox can help relax the jaw muscles and minimize grinding.
Questions About Bruxism
Q: Can I stop teeth grinding on my own?
Mild cases may improve with lifestyle changes like reducing stress or caffeine. However, a professional dental evaluation at Cashmere Family Dentistry is important to rule out structural issues or the need for a nightguard.
Q: How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Often, people learn they grind their teeth from a partner or during a dental check-up. Signs include morning jaw soreness, sensitive teeth, and worn enamel.
Q: What type of nightguard is best?
Over-the-counter options are available, but they’re rarely effective. Custom-fitted nightguards from Cashmere Family Dentistry offer the best protection, fit, and comfort.
Calm and Collected
In a word, teeth grinding is sneaky. You often have to piece together the evidence that it’s happening, and then start trying to find solutions that work for you. The great news is that with Cashmere Family Dentistry, you’ll have all the support you need. Come see us soon!
