Contents
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Signs, Causes and How a Night Guard Helps
- What is bruxism?
- Signs you might be grinding your teeth
- What causes teeth grinding?
- Why teeth grinding matters
- How a night guard helps
- Other ways to manage bruxism
- When to see a dentist
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Get your teeth checked in Niddrie
- Dr Ramandeep Kaur
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Signs, Causes and How a Night Guard Helps
What bleeding gums mean, and how to get them healthy again
If you wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache or teeth that feel sensitive, you might be grinding your teeth in your sleep. Teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, is common, and many people don’t realise they do it until a partner hears it or a dentist spots the wear.
The good news: it’s very manageable. This guide covers the signs, the common causes and how a custom night guard protects your teeth. For treatment at our clinic, see bruxism treatment in Niddrie.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism means grinding, gnashing or clenching your teeth. There are two types:
- Sleep bruxism: grinding or clenching while you sleep. You usually won’t know you’re doing it.
- Awake bruxism: clenching your jaw during the day, often when concentrating, stressed or driving. It’s usually clenching rather than grinding.
Occasional clenching doesn’t usually cause harm. It becomes a problem when it happens often enough to wear teeth down or strain the jaw.
Signs you might be grinding your teeth
- Jaw pain, stiffness or tiredness, especially when you wake up
- Headaches around the temples first thing in the morning
- Teeth that look flat, short or worn at the edges
- Chipped or cracked teeth, or broken fillings
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
- A partner hearing grinding noises at night
- Indentations along the sides of your tongue, or sore cheeks from biting
- Clicking or aching in the jaw joint in front of your ear
Because sleep bruxism happens unconsciously, a dentist is often the first person to notice it during a routine check-up and clean.
What causes teeth grinding?
There’s rarely a single cause. Common contributing factors include:
- Stress and anxiety: the most common trigger, especially for daytime clenching.
- Sleep problems: grinding is linked with snoring and sleep apnoea. If you snore heavily or wake up tired, mention it to your dentist or GP.
- Caffeine, alcohol and smoking: particularly in the evening.
- Some medications: certain antidepressants and other medicines can increase grinding. Don’t stop any medication without speaking to your doctor.
- Bite or alignment issues: may play a part for some people; see bite problems.
Why teeth grinding matters
The forces involved in grinding are much stronger than normal chewing. Over months and years, untreated bruxism can lead to:
How a night guard helps
A night guard (also called an occlusal splint) is a thin, hard plastic guard that fits over your teeth while you sleep. It doesn’t stop the urge to grind, but it:
- Puts a protective layer between your top and bottom teeth, so the guard wears instead of your enamel
- Spreads the biting force more evenly across your teeth
- Can ease strain on the jaw muscles and joint for many people
- Protects crowns, veneers and other dental work
Custom night guard vs over-the-counter
| Custom night guard | Over-the-counter guard |
Fit | Made from a scan or mould of your teeth for a precise fit | One-size or “boil and bite”; often bulky |
Comfort | Thin and comfortable, so you’re more likely to keep wearing it | Can feel loose or thick, and may fall out |
Durability | Hard, durable material; typically lasts several years | Softer material; wears through faster |
Bite | Adjusted by your dentist to suit your bite | Not adjusted; a poor fit can make clenching worse for some people |
We make custom mouthguards in Niddrie for both sport and night-time grinding. It usually takes two short visits: one to scan your teeth, and one to fit and adjust the guard.
Other ways to manage bruxism
A night guard protects your teeth. These steps can help reduce the grinding itself:
- Wind down before bed with a regular routine and less screen time
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening
- Notice daytime clenching and remind yourself: “lips together, teeth apart”
- Gentle jaw stretches, warm compresses or physiotherapy for jaw pain
- Talk to your GP if stress, anxiety or poor sleep are ongoing
- Get checked for sleep apnoea if you snore or wake up unrefreshed
When to see a dentist
Book a check-up if you have jaw pain or morning headaches that keep coming back, if your teeth look worn or keep chipping, or if a partner says you grind at night. Protecting your teeth early helps avoid cracked or worn teeth that need repairing later.
Frequently Asked Questions
There isn’t a single cure, because grinding usually has several causes. Most people manage it well with a night guard plus changes that reduce stress and improve sleep.
Typically several years with good care, depending on how heavily you grind. Bring it to your check-ups so we can check it for wear.
For many people with grinding-related headaches, yes, it helps. If headaches continue, see your GP to rule out other causes.
Yes, it’s quite common in children and often stops on its own. Mention it at your child’s check-up so we can monitor their teeth.
Rinse it after use, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water, let it dry and store it in its case. Avoid hot water, which can warp it.
Get your teeth checked in Niddrie
If you think you’re grinding your teeth, we can check for wear, talk through the likely causes and fit a custom night guard if you need one. Book an appointment at Dental @ Niddrie Plaza or call (03) 9374 1222.
Written by
Dr Ramandeep Kaur
Principal Dentist & Practice Owner
BDS · AHPRA Reg. DEN0001845304
From everyday gum care to veneers, aligners and dental emergencies — Dr Raman writes every article on this blog so patients can understand their options before they visit. Practising in Melbourne since 2011, she has a special interest in caring for anxious and dental-phobic patients, with further training in orthodontics, clear aligners, dental lasers and implant dentistry. She speaks English, Hindi and Punjabi, and explains treatment in plain language so you always know what to expect.
- 2011 Practising in Australia
- 33 Published Articles
- 3 Languages Spoken
