How to Know If You’re Grinding Your Teeth (and What to Do About It)
- Sep 15 2025
You wake up with a stiff jaw. Your molars feel sore when you bite down. Maybe a dull headache shows up before you’ve even had your coffee. These things might seem unrelated at first. But they could point to the same problem: teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.
Bruxism happens when the muscles in your jaw clench or press your teeth together with more force than they should. Most people grind their teeth while they sleep, but some do it during the day without realizing it. Over time, that pressure can wear down enamel and put extra stress on your jaw joints, which makes everyday things like chewing or talking more uncomfortable.
Signs That Point to Bruxism
Jaw pain and tooth sensitivity often get the most attention, but other symptoms may fly under the radar. Pay attention to these:
- Teeth that look flattened or have small chips
- Tightness in your jaw or face, especially after sleeping
- Headaches that start near your temples or behind your eyes
- Clicking, popping, or locking in your jaw
- Sudden sensitivity to cold or sugary foods
- Soreness when chewing or talking
You might notice one symptom, or several. Either way, it helps to track what you’re feeling and when. That pattern will give your dentist more insight into what’s going on.
Why Teeth Grinding Starts
No one grinds for the same reason. For some, stress or anxiety causes the muscles in their face to stay tense throughout the day – or overnight. Others have a bite that doesn’t line up, so the jaw never finds a comfortable resting spot. Even an old filling or missing tooth can throw things off.
Some people start grinding because of stress. Others feel the effects of sleep apnea, medication side effects, or past injuries to the jaw. It might feel like a habit you can’t control, but something usually sets it off.
What You Can Do at Home
Once you recognize the signs, you’ll have a better chance of preventing more damage. Start by checking in with your mouth during the day. If your teeth touch when you’re not eating, your jaw may be stuck in tension mode. Try these steps:
- Keep your teeth slightly apart when at rest
- Avoid gum, chewy snacks, or anything that keeps your jaw in motion
- Use a warm compress at night to relax your muscles
- Practice breathing exercises before bed to lower tension
- Cut back on caffeine or alcohol, especially in the evening
None of these things will “cure” bruxism. However, they may reduce the frequency and ease some of the symptoms, especially when you catch the pattern early.
Why a Custom Night Guard Matters
A night guard creates a soft but stable barrier between your upper and lower teeth. That barrier absorbs pressure and keeps your enamel from wearing down. But not every guard fits the same.
Store-bought guards often feel bulky. They shift during sleep and may not stay in the right place. When that happens, your jaw muscles stay tense – and the damage continues.
A custom guard fits your bite exactly. Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth and design a guard that feels secure and comfortable. You won’t need to hold it in place. It will support your jaw and protect your teeth while you sleep.
Many people notice better sleep, fewer headaches, and less morning stiffness after just a few nights.
When to Call Your Dentist
You don’t need to wait until a tooth cracks. If your symptoms keep coming back or you’ve noticed visible wear on your teeth, make an appointment. Your dentist will look for signs of grinding, check your bite, and help you decide on next steps.
That might mean a night guard. It might also mean treating stress, adjusting your bite, or repairing damaged teeth. Either way, you’ll walk away with a plan.
At the office of Payam Cohen, DDS, PC, we treat bruxism with care and precision. If your jaw keeps hurting or your teeth look different from how they used to, call us. We’ll take a close look, explain what’s happening, and give you real options that protect your smile.
Categories: Dental Health