Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treatment in Campus Drive Suite
Do you wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or teeth that feel worn and sensitive? You may be grinding or clenching your teeth, a condition called bruxism. Many people grind their teeth while they sleep and don’t realize it until damage appears. At G Dental Group, we help patients protect their teeth, relieve jaw tension, and repair the wear that grinding can cause.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the habit of grinding, gnashing, or clenching your teeth. It can happen during the day, often during periods of concentration or stress, or at night while you sleep. Sleep bruxism is especially common and can exert far more force on your teeth than normal chewing.
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth
- Flattened, chipped, or worn-down teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Jaw pain, tightness, or a tired jaw when you wake up
- Morning headaches, often around the temples
- Earache-like pain without an ear infection
- Indentations on the sides of your tongue or the inside of your cheeks
- A partner hearing grinding sounds while you sleep
- Cracked teeth or broken fillings and crowns
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Stress and anxiety are among the most common triggers. Other contributing factors include a misaligned bite, crooked teeth, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, caffeine and alcohol, certain medications, and tobacco use. In children, grinding is often temporary and related to growth.
Why Bruxism Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Over time, grinding wears away protective enamel, exposing the sensitive dentin underneath and increasing the risk of decay. It can crack teeth, loosen dental work, strain jaw muscles and joints, and contribute to gum recession. Left untreated, severe grinding may require extensive restorations to rebuild the bite.
How We Treat Teeth Grinding
The most effective way to protect your teeth from nighttime grinding is a custom night guard. Just like our in-house custom sports mouthguards, night guards are made from impressions of your teeth for a precise, comfortable fit that cushions the forces of grinding. Depending on your needs, we may also:
- Repair worn or chipped teeth with bonding, fillings, or crowns
- Recommend Invisalign® to correct bite problems that contribute to grinding
- Restore severely damaged teeth with veneers once grinding is controlled
- Coordinate with specialists or your physician through our referral network if a sleep disorder may be involved
Habits That Help
Practice stress-reduction techniques, limit caffeine and alcohol in the evening, avoid chewing on pens or ice, and be mindful of clenching during the day by keeping your lips together and teeth slightly apart. Regular dental exams let us track wear and adjust your treatment over time.
Teeth Grinding FAQs
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common signs include waking up with jaw soreness or headaches, worn or chipped teeth, tooth sensitivity, and a partner hearing grinding sounds. Your dentist can also spot wear patterns during an exam.
Can teeth grinding damage my teeth?
Yes. Chronic grinding can wear down enamel, crack teeth, damage fillings and crowns, increase sensitivity, and strain the jaw joints and muscles.
Does a night guard stop teeth grinding?
A night guard doesn’t always stop the grinding habit, but it protects your teeth by absorbing the forces and preventing tooth-to-tooth contact.
Are custom night guards better than store-bought ones?
Yes. Custom night guards are made from impressions of your teeth, so they fit precisely, stay in place, feel more comfortable, and provide better protection.
Can stress cause teeth grinding?
Yes. Stress and anxiety are among the most common causes of teeth grinding and clenching, both during the day and at night.
Can Invisalign help with teeth grinding?
When grinding is related to a misaligned bite, straightening the teeth with Invisalign may help reduce uneven forces. Your dentist can determine whether it’s appropriate.
Where can I get treatment for teeth grinding in Daly City?
G Dental Group in Daly City, CA provides custom night guards and repairs damage from teeth grinding. Call (650) 991-7055 to schedule an exam.
Protect Your Teeth From Grinding
Stop grinding from wearing down your smile. Call G Dental Group at (650) 991-7055 to ask about a custom night guard.