Short answer: Bruxism is the involuntary habit of clenching or grinding the teeth, and it mostly occurs during sleep. Over time it can contribute to tooth wear, jaw muscle pain and headaches. A night guard is a common measure that helps protect the teeth; however, the appropriate management plan is determined by the dentist after an examination.
What are the symptoms?
- Tiredness, stiffness or pain in the jaw muscles in the morning
- Headache in the temple area or around the back of the neck
- Wear, flattening or small cracks in the teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Noises around the jaw joint or difficulty opening the mouth
- Tooth marks on the cheeks and the edges of the tongue
- A partner hearing grinding sounds during sleep
Many people do not realize they grind their teeth in their sleep; the symptoms are often picked up at the dentist’s examination.
What causes it?
There is no single cause; several factors may play a role together:
- Stress and tension
- Irregular sleep and certain sleep disorders
- Caffeine, alcohol and smoking
- Bite misalignments
- Certain medications
- Genetic predisposition
It can also be seen in children; it mostly decreases with growth and the changing of the baby teeth, but the dentist should still be consulted about its frequency and symptoms.
Effects on the teeth and jaw
- Enamel wear and sensitivity at the necks of the teeth; we covered this in our article on tooth sensitivity.
- Breaking or cracking of fillings and crowns
- Contribution to gum recession
- Pain in the chewing muscles and jaw joint complaints
- Poorer sleep quality
What is a night guard?
A night guard is a custom-made clear plate, usually fitted to the upper or lower teeth, that protects the teeth from rubbing against each other. It is not meant to eliminate bruxism completely but to protect the teeth and fillings. How it is used and the material it is made of are determined by the dentist.
- The guard is prepared to fit the mouth by impression or digital scan.
- It needs to be worn regularly every night.
- In the morning it is removed and cleaned with cold water and a soft brush.
- It is stored in a dry, closed case and should be kept away from hot water.
- It can wear down over time; its condition is assessed at check-ups.
For the retainers used after orthodontic treatment, you can see our page on retention (retainers), and for how it relates to clear aligners, our page on bruxism and clear aligners.
Things to watch for while using a night guard
It may take a few days to get used to the guard in the first nights; a feeling of fullness in the mouth, slightly increased saliva or the urge to take the guard out during sleep may occur. This mostly fades with time. If the guard does not fit, if it has cracked or if your jaw pain increases, let the clinic know instead of continuing to use it. Do not share the guard with friends or family members; each guard is made specifically for one person.
Orthodontic treatment and bruxism
Bruxism can also occur in people who use braces or clear aligners. In this case the dentist recommends a method of protection that fits the treatment plan. The aligners used for retention after treatment and a night guard serve different purposes; so make clear with your dentist which one to use and how. For broken or lost retainers, you can see our article on what to do if a retainer is lost.
How is it diagnosed?
The dentist listens to your complaints, examines the chewing muscles and the jaw joint, and looks at the signs of wear on the teeth. If necessary, an X-ray or additional imaging is requested. If there is suspicion of breathing pauses or snoring during sleep, you may be referred to a relevant specialist for a sleep assessment.
Other methods besides a night guard
- Stress management and adjustments to sleep hygiene
- Relaxation exercises for the jaw muscles recommended by the dentist
- An assessment by a dentist or orthodontist if there is a bite misalignment
- Discussing additional treatment options aimed at the jaw muscles with the dentist, if necessary
Which of these options is suitable varies from person to person.
What can be done during the day?
- Try to notice during the day whether your teeth are touching; normally the teeth rest slightly apart.
- Cut down on caffeine and alcohol in the evening.
- Relaxation exercises, regular sleep and physical activity can help manage stress.
- Limit hard foods and chewing gum.
- If there is tension in the jaw muscles, warm compresses can be tried on the dentist’s advice.
When should you see the dentist?
An examination is needed when there is jaw pain, restricted mouth opening, recurring headaches, or noticeable wear or breakage of the teeth. In cases of pain and jaw joint complaints, other causes must also be ruled out.
Frequently asked questions
Does a night guard end the grinding?
A guard helps protect the teeth from wear; it may not remove the habit. It is usually considered together with stress management and follow-up.
Is a night guard the same as a retainer?
No. A retainer is used to keep the teeth aligned, while a night guard is used to protect the teeth from clenching and grinding; in some cases the dentist may plan for a single appliance to serve both purposes.
Is teeth grinding dangerous in children?
It is often temporary; still, if there is noticeable wear or jaw pain, a pediatric dentist should be consulted.
How do you find out what suits you?
The information here is general; the right plan for you is determined through an examination and the dentist’s evaluation. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we go through your questions together. For appointments and directions, you can see our contact page.
