If you grind your teeth, it’s important to safeguard them from the damage this habit can do. Your dentist may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep. A custom guard, made from a special mold that your dentist creates, will give you the closest, most comfortable fit. Night guards are also sold online and in stores, but may not provide the same protection as a guard made just for you.

Most people aren’t aware that they are clenching or grinding their teeth. Dentists and dental hygienists are often the first to notice the signs of teeth grinding, which include chipped or cracked teeth or worn, damaged spots along the edges of teeth. While most people grind their teeth while they’re sleeping, many also clench or grind during the day, especially when they’re feeling tense, worried or pressured.

If you are grinding your teeth, you might notice:

• Pain or tenderness in your jaw

• Dull headaches

• Plugged, painful or itchy ears

• Neck pain

  
  

Causes of Teeth Grinding:

Though bruxism/teeth grinding is usually thought of as a symptom of stress, it can also be caused by:

• Sleep disorders

• Teeth that don’t line up properly

• Missing or crooked teeth

Keep in mind that night guards are not the same as mouthguards or sports guards which are designed to protect your teeth while you’re skiing, skateboarding, or playing active sports such as hockey, football, baseball or basketball. A mouth guard designed for sports and other high-impact activities has extra cushioning that probably won’t feel comfortable for sleep.

Clenching or grinding your teeth is a possible sign that your mind and body need help to cope with the pressures of life. You might start by talking with your primary care physician about ways to engage in relaxation activities that calms your body when you’re feeling stressed. Meditation, counseling, exercise, massage and deep-breathing exercises have been shown to be effective. Paired with a night guard, healthy stress management will help protect your teeth and mouth from the damage that clenching or grinding can do.

The right treatment will depend on what’s happening in your mouth and body. Our dentist will do a careful exam, possibly including X rays, to look for the possible cause and point the way to steps that will offer you relief.