Bruxism: An Unconscious Habit With Real Consequences
Bruxism is the dental term for teeth grinding and clenching. It is an unconscious behavior that affects both children and adults, and because it most often happens during sleep, many people have no idea they do it until a dentist points out signs of damage or they begin to notice symptoms.
The exact causes are not fully understood. Research links bruxism to stress, anxiety, abnormal bites, and missing teeth. There is also emerging - though not yet conclusive - evidence connecting it to sleep disorders. Common signs include worn, cracked, or broken teeth; jaw, neck, or facial pain; earaches and headaches; increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet; and disrupted sleep.
How a Nightguard Works
A nightguard is a mouthguard worn while you sleep. It is made from soft plastic or rubber and fits over your upper teeth - or your lower teeth in some cases - creating a barrier that keeps your teeth from making direct contact. The material absorbs and disperses biting forces, which helps reduce the tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches that grinding and clenching can cause.
Mild bruxism without associated symptoms may not require treatment at all. For more significant cases, a nightguard is the most effective way to prevent further damage while the underlying habit is addressed.
Why Custom Beats Over-the-Counter
Drugstore nightguards - the pre-formed and boil-and-bite varieties - are not shaped to your specific bite. They tend to be less durable and less comfortable, and they are more likely to slip, poke your gums, or interfere with speech and breathing. An uncomfortable guard is one you will not wear, which defeats the purpose entirely.
At Sendero Dental Studio, we create custom nightguards from an exact mold of your teeth. Once the guard is fabricated, you try it on for fit at our office, and any adjustments needed are made until it feels right for you.
Staying Ahead of Clenching During the Day
Some people clench their teeth while awake without realizing it. Because wearing a nightguard during the day is not practical for most people, awareness is the main tool. Try relaxing your face and jaw deliberately throughout the day: when your jaw is at rest, your lips should be closed but your back teeth should not be touching. Setting reminders on your phone or placing notes around your home or workspace can help you check in on this habit.
Even if you have no pain or obvious symptoms, our team can often detect signs of clenching from the condition of your teeth and gums. If you suspect you may be grinding in your sleep, let us know and we can take a closer look.