What Is Bruxism?
Clenching and grinding, known together as bruxism, often happens unconsciously — frequently during sleep, but sometimes during the day under stress or concentration. Because it's often unconscious, many people don't realize they do it until I point out the wear patterns on their teeth during an exam, or until a partner mentions hearing it at night.
Signs You Might Be Grinding
Common signs include a dull headache or sore jaw when you wake up, flattened or worn-down tooth surfaces, increased tooth sensitivity, and even small cracks or chips that seem to appear without an obvious cause. Some people also notice jaw tightness or clicking. Because the wear happens gradually, I'm often the first to notice the pattern during a routine checkup.
How I Help
A custom nightguard is the most common and effective solution, cushioning your teeth from the force of grinding while you sleep and preventing further wear. I'll also look at what might be contributing — stress, bite alignment, or sleep quality — since addressing the underlying cause alongside a nightguard tends to give the best results.
Questions About This?
I'm always happy to talk through your specific situation in more detail — call the office or book a visit anytime.