Do You Wake Up with Facial Tension, Sore Teeth, or Notice Your Teeth Getting Shorter?

You might have bruxism—teeth grinding or clenching, often during sleep—that can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and dental wear.

Introduction
What Causes Bruxism?
Recognizing the Signs
How Night Guards Help
Types of Custom Night Guards
Supportive Management Strategies
Summary
Book a Consultation

Introduction

Bruxism is a common—yet often unnoticed—condition characterized by grinding or clenching teeth, frequently during sleep. It affects a significant portion of the population and can contribute to jaw pain, headaches, and progressive dental wear.

What Causes Bruxism?

Bruxism isn’t attributed to a single cause—it can be influenced by multiple factors, including:

Stress, anxiety, and emotional tension
Lifestyle factors such as caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and certain medications
Sleep disturbances and disrupted sleep patterns
Genetic predisposition

Recognizing the Signs

Look out for the following indicators:

Worn or shortened teeth, enamel erosion, or restoration damage
Sore jaw muscles, morning headaches, or tooth sensitivity
TMJ discomfort—clicking, stiffness, or pain
Sleep disturbances, even if you're unaware you're grinding

How Night Guards Help

Night guards—also known as occlusal splints—do not eliminate bruxism but create a protective barrier between your teeth. They help:

Preserve enamel and protect dental restorations
Reduce jaw muscle strain and associated headaches
Improve sleep comfort and perceived sleep quality

Many patients report early symptom relief within two weeks, with more noticeable improvement over a month.

Night guards are available as:

Custom-made: Fabricated from dental impressions—best fit and durability.
Boil-and-bite or stock: Over-the-counter options, generally less precise and shorter-lived.

Types of Custom Night Guards

Soft Night Guards

Material: Flexible, rubber-like
Best for: Light to moderate clenching
Pros: Comfortable and easy to adapt to
Cons: Less durable; not ideal for heavy grinding
Lifespan: Shorter due to wear

Dual Laminate (Hybrid) Night Guards

Material: Soft inner layer with a hard outer shell
Best for: Moderate to severe grinding and clenching
Pros: Combines comfort with durability
Cons: May be bulkier than other types
Lifespan: Moderate to long, depending on use

Hard Night Guards

Material: Rigid acrylic or hard plastic
Best for: Severe teeth grinding
Pros: Highly durable and long-lasting
Cons: Less comfortable; requires custom fitting by a dentist
Lifespan: Longer, depending on wear

Supportive Management Strategies

Improve sleep habits—set consistent bed/wake times, limit late screen time, and manage stress before bed
Incorporate jaw exercises, massage, and relaxation techniques
Seek professional care for chronic stress or suspected sleep disorders; options may include cognitive-behavioral therapy or, in selected cases, Botox

Summary

Bruxism is widespread and can significantly impact dental and overall well-being. A custom night guard is a powerful tool for prevention and relief—especially when paired with lifestyle changes and stress management. Early detection and intervention are key to preserving your teeth and improving sleep quality.

Book a Consultation

Concerned about bruxism or morning jaw pain? Schedule an appointment for evaluation and a customized night guard fitting.