Teeth grinding and clenching while you’re sleeping is a condition known as bruxism, and it can cause some serious damage to your teeth when not addressed. Around 21% of the global population has bruxism, with nighttime grinding being the most common. While most people find out they have bruxism from a partner who hears the grinding or from a dentist who spots the classic signs of dental damage, many people are completely unaware that it’s happening until their teeth start to crack or become worn down.
You don’t have to wait for these signs, all of which require expensive treatment to fix. Read on to learn about the subtle signs of teeth grinding and where to find the best dentist in Concord for a custom night guard.
How Do You Know if You're Grinding Your Teeth?
Bruxism is a diagnosis that encompasses the habits of grinding, clenching, or pressing your teeth together with more force than normal. Some people do it while they sleep, while others clench their teeth during the day when concentrating, driving, exercising, or feeling stressed. Because sleep bruxism happens unconsciously, most people have no idea it is happening until they start damaging their teeth. Common signs of bruxism include:
- Flattened or worn teeth
- Small chips along the edges of teeth
- Jaw soreness
- Tooth sensitivity
- Headaches that are most noticeable in the morning
What Happens if Teeth Grinding Goes Untreated?
Teeth are strong, but they are not designed to withstand years of repeated teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Over time, excess pressure wears away enamel, the hard outer layer that protects each tooth. As enamel becomes thinner, teeth may become more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods. Teeth grinding can also lead to cracks, tooth fractures, and damage to previous dental work. The force that occurs during clenching can also strain the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, leading to TMJ symptoms, including jaw stiffness and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
Signs You Need a Night Guard for Teeth Grinding
Not everyone who grinds their teeth needs the same treatment plan. The decision depends on the overall condition of your teeth, the severity of your symptoms, and the amount of wear your dentist sees during an examination. A night guard is usually recommended if you have:
- Visible tooth wear
- Recurring jaw discomfort or symptoms of TMJ disorder
- Chipped teeth or cracked teeth
- Frequent morning headaches
- Previous dental restorations that are showing signs of stress
- Dental pain
Are Store-Bought Night Guards as Good as Custom Night Guards?
Many drugstores sell night guards that can be purchased without a prescription, which makes them an appealing option for people looking for a quick solution. These products can provide a basic layer of protection, but they are designed to fit a wide range of mouth shapes. As a result, they usually feel bulky, shift while you sleep, or create pressure in areas where the fit is not ideal.
In contrast, a custom night guard is made from dental impressions or digital scans of your teeth, which ensures a more precise, comfortable fit. This personalized fit improves comfort and helps distribute biting forces more evenly across the teeth, so your mouth guard doesn’t wear out quickly.
Can a Night Guard Stop Teeth Grinding or Just Protect Your Teeth?
Night guards are designed to protect the teeth from damage caused by grinding and clenching by creating a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, which helps reduce wear and lowers the risk of tooth fractures. Because bruxism can be influenced by several factors, including stress, sleep disorders, certain medications, and bite-related issues, you may need more than a night guard for treatment. The best dentist in Concord may recommend options like orthodontic treatment, stress management, or sleep apnea testing to complete your treatment plan.
Finding the Best Dentist in Concord for Custom Mouth Guards
Teeth grinding can cause severe damage to your jaw, teeth, gums, and smile if left untreated. Even if you don’t think you grind your teeth, getting evaluated for bruxism can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Dr. Alice Huang is Concord’s first choice for custom night guards and comprehensive treatment for bruxism and TMJ disorder. After earning her dental degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, she completed advanced residency training in Portland and then settled in Concord, where she's known for her gentle approach and honest communication.
If you have noticed jaw discomfort, worn teeth, frequent headaches, or if you've been told you grind your teeth at night, call the best dentist in Concord for a custom night guard.
