1. What is Bruxism and Why Does It Happen?

**Bruxism** is the medical term for habitual teeth grinding (side-to-side movement) and jaw clenching (up-and-down pressure). It can occur during the day when you're stressed or concentrating, but the most destructive form usually happens **while you sleep** (sleep bruxism) because you are unaware of it.

The causes of bruxism are typically multifactorial, including:

• **Stress and Anxiety:** This is the most common trigger. Emotional tension often manifests as physical clenching or grinding, especially during sleep.
• **Sleep Disorders:** Conditions like sleep apnea can be linked to bruxism, as the jaw movement can be a reflex action to keep the airway open.
• **Medications:** Certain medications, such as some antidepressants, can increase the likelihood of bruxism.
• **Misaligned Bite:** An uneven bite can sometimes cause the jaw to unconsciously seek a balanced position, leading to grinding.

2. Silent Symptoms: How to Know if You Grind Your Teeth

Since night grinding is unconscious, many people don't realize they have bruxism until their partner notices the grinding noise or a dentist points out the damage. However, your body often sends clear warning signs:

• **Headaches and Migraines:** Especially chronic tension headaches that start in the temples or spread across the forehead in the morning.
• **Jaw Pain (TMJ/TMD):** Soreness, tightness, or pain in the jaw joints (temporomandibular joints) or surrounding muscles. You might hear clicking or popping when you move your jaw.
• **Worn Teeth:** Teeth that look flat, short, or chipped, with visible wear spots on the chewing surfaces.
• **Increased Tooth Sensitivity:** Bruxism wears down the enamel, exposing the sensitive dentin underneath, leading to pain when exposed to hot or cold temperatures.
• **Indented Tongue or Cheek Tissue:** You may notice ridges or indentation marks on your tongue or the inside of your cheek caused by clenching.

3. The Dangerous Consequences of Untreated Bruxism

The average person exerts around 70 pounds of force when chewing. During heavy clenching or grinding, this force can easily exceed **250 pounds**. This extreme pressure leads to serious, often irreversible damage:

Untreated bruxism can lead to cracked teeth, broken restorations (fillings and crowns), receding gums, and, in severe cases, tooth loss. The continuous strain on the jaw joint can also lead to chronic and debilitating **Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)**.

4. The Solution: Custom-Fitted Nightguards

While managing stress is important for reducing bruxism, the most effective and reliable defense against nightly damage is a **custom-fitted nightguard**.

A nightguard is a durable acrylic appliance worn over the top or bottom teeth while you sleep. Unlike cheap, boil-and-bite versions available in stores, a custom guard made by your dentist offers several key advantages:

• **Perfect Fit:** It is made from a precise mold of your teeth, ensuring maximum comfort, stability, and retention.
• **Shock Absorption:** It creates a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the massive grinding force and preventing tooth-on-tooth wear.
• **Joint Stabilization:** A custom guard correctly positions your jaw joint, relieving muscle tension and reducing TMJ symptoms and morning headaches.
• **Durability:** Custom guards are made from higher-quality, medical-grade materials designed to withstand hundreds of pounds of nocturnal pressure.

5. Taking the Next Step

If any of the symptoms above sound familiar, don't ignore them. The damage caused by bruxism is cumulative, meaning it gets worse every night until it's treated. Our team can quickly diagnose signs of wear and recommend the best course of action, starting with a custom nightguard and discussing simple techniques for muscle relaxation.

Protect your investment in your smile and eliminate those persistent morning headaches! We make the process simple and comfortable.