Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is way more common than most people realize. For many patients, it appears at night while they’re asleep, so it’s easy to miss at first. But if you ignore it, you’re asking for long-term issues: sore jaws, headaches, broken teeth, and extensive health problems down the road.

The real concern of teeth grinding is identifying that you’ve got it. The easiest way to tell if you grind your teeth at night is to wake up with a stiff jaw, a pounding headache, or teeth that feel sensitive or rough.

Let’s break down what’s really going on when you grind your teeth, how to spot the warning signs, and what you can do about it.

What’s Going On When You Grind Your Teeth?

Most of the time, bruxism happens while you’re asleep, so it stays under the radar. The damage, though, is real. Stress and anxiety are common triggers, but that’s not the whole story. Things like crooked teeth, sleep disorders, or even medications can be behind this condition. For some people, it worsens during tough times. For others, it happens night after night if treatment is delayed. Spotting it early makes a huge difference—you can prevent long-term dental problems and keep your overall health on track.

How Do You Know If You’re Grinding at Night?

Catching teeth grinding early is the best thing you can do. Here’s what to watch for:

Sore jaw or teeth first thing in the morning. If you wake up feeling like you’ve been chewing gum all night, that’s a red flag. Your jaw muscles get tired from all that clenching.
Headaches or ear pain, especially around your temples. The tension from grinding can trigger headaches or earaches, even though the real problem is your jaw.
Teeth that look worn down, chipped, or unusually flat. You might find your teeth feel more sensitive, too—that’s enamel erosion from all the grinding.
Damaged dental work. Crowns or fillings that seem loose, cracked, or just not right? Bruxism destroys dental restorations.
Interrupted sleep. Maybe you wake up in the middle of the night with jaw pain, or you just feel unrested. Even if you don’t realize you’re grinding, your body feels it.

Why Does Teeth Grinding Happen at Night?

There’s no single reason, but a few things show up again and again:

Stress and anxiety – these are the major causes. When life gets tense, your teeth take the hit.
Sleep apnea. People with this condition grind their teeth as their body reacts to breathing disruptions.
Misaligned teeth. If your bite isn’t quite right, your jaw shifts around, and grinding follows.
Caffeine and alcohol. Both can stimulate your nervous system and worsen grinding.

How Can You Stop Grinding Your Teeth at Night?

If you think you’re grinding your teeth at night, don’t just brush it off. Here’s what helps:

See your dentist. They’ll figure out what’s causing your grinding and might recommend a custom night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
Deal with stress. Yoga, meditation, breathing exercises—whatever helps you unwind. Lowering your stress levels can help improve your condition.
Fix your sleep. Set a routine, avoid caffeine late in the day, and aim for 7-9 hours of quality rest. Better sleep quality can reduce the incidence of teeth grinding.
Check your bite. If your teeth or jaw are aberrant, talk to your dentist about orthodontic treatment options to get things back on track.

Teeth grinding isn’t something you can ignore. Catch it early, and you save yourself a lot of pain and dental bills—not to mention extensive health problems down the line. If any of this sounds familiar, reach out for help. At Inland Choice Dental in Riverside, we’re here to help you deal with bruxism and protect your smile for the long haul. Book a visit and let’s find the right fix for you.

FAQs

Can teeth grinding be caused by anxiety?
Yes, anxiety is one of the most common causes of teeth grinding. People tend to grind their teeth unconsciously when under stress.
Is teeth grinding harmful to my teeth?
Yes, over time, teeth grinding can damage enamel, leading to worn-down teeth, chips, and sensitivity.
What can a dentist do for teeth grinding?
A dentist can provide a custom night guard to protect your teeth and recommend treatments to address underlying causes, such as stress or misalignment.
How can I naturally prevent teeth grinding?
Managing stress through relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime can help reduce teeth grinding.