Many people clench or grind without realizing it, especially during sleep or periods of stress. The pattern can overload jaw muscles and gradually damage teeth and restorations.
Signs of bruxism
Common clues include morning jaw fatigue, tension headaches, flattened tooth edges, small chips, cold sensitivity, and unexplained cracks in fillings or crowns.
- Soreness near the temples or ears
- A tired jaw on waking
- Teeth that look shorter or flatter
- A partner hearing grinding at night
How a custom night guard helps
A professionally fitted guard separates the teeth and distributes pressure. It does not eliminate every cause of clenching, but it protects enamel and dental work more reliably than a bulky one-size product.
Other helpful steps
Daytime awareness, relaxing the jaw, limiting late caffeine, improving sleep habits, and discussing stress can all help. Because jaw pain has several causes, an exam should come before choosing treatment.
