Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism
Because bruxism happens during sleep, most people are unaware of it until symptoms develop. Common indicators include:
- Jaw, face, or ear pain — especially in the morning
- Headaches concentrated in the temples upon waking
- Sensitive, aching, or cracked teeth
- Chipped, flattened, or worn-down tooth surfaces (visible on X-ray or clinical exam)
- A partner reporting the sound of grinding in your sleep
- Tight, tired jaw muscles
- Indentations on the tongue or cheek tissue from clenching
Why Does Bruxism Happen?
The exact cause of bruxism is multifactorial. The most commonly associated factors are stress and anxiety — the most frequent trigger. Sleep disorders (particularly sleep apnea) significantly increase bruxism risk. Certain medications (especially SSRIs) can trigger or worsen grinding. Malocclusion (bite misalignment) where teeth don't come together properly can perpetuate the habit. In many cases, multiple factors are involved simultaneously.
The Damage Bruxism Causes
The grinding forces generated during bruxism can be 10 times greater than normal chewing forces. Over time, this leads to:
- Severe enamel wear — flattening and shortening of teeth
- Cracked or fractured teeth requiring crowns or extraction
- Increased tooth sensitivity from exposed dentine
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction — clicking, locking, pain
- Bone loss around teeth in severe chronic cases
- Destruction of crowns, veneers, and other restorations
Treatment Options
The cornerstone of bruxism management is a custom-made occlusal night guard — a precisely fabricated appliance worn during sleep that prevents tooth surfaces from making contact. Unlike generic pharmacy guards, clinical-grade night guards are made from hard acrylic precisely moulded to your teeth and bite. For patients where bite misalignment is a contributing factor, targeted bite correction (equilibration) can reduce the neurological drive to grind. Where TMJ dysfunction is already established, physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory protocols may be added. We assess the full picture before recommending treatment.
If you recognise these symptoms, don't wait until teeth crack or TMJ pain becomes chronic. A clinical assessment takes 30 minutes, and a custom night guard can be fitted in a single follow-up appointment. Early intervention protects teeth that took decades to develop.