Overview
Bruxism can happen during sleep or while awake, often linked with stress, sleep quality, bite factors, medicines, or habits. A dentist can look for wear marks, cracks, jaw muscle tenderness, and recommend protection or referral if needed.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Many people grind at night without realizing it.
- ✓Grinding can cause sensitivity, cracks, and jaw pain.
- ✓A night guard protects teeth but does not treat every cause.
- ✓Stress and sleep factors often matter.
What You Can Do At Home
- 1Notice daytime clenching and relax the jaw when possible.
- 2Avoid chewing gum if jaw muscles are sore.
- 3Use warm compresses for muscle soreness.
- 4Discuss sleep, stress, and medicines with your clinician if grinding is severe.
When To Book A Dentist
- !You wake with jaw pain, headaches, or tooth soreness.
- !Teeth look flat, chipped, or sensitive.
- !Crowns or fillings keep cracking.
- !A partner hears grinding at night.