Bruxism involves unconsciously grinding, gnashing, or clenching your teeth. It typically occurs in two forms: sleep bruxism during sleep, and awake bruxism during waking hours. Many people with sleep bruxism remain unaware of their condition until symptoms develop or a sleep partner notices grinding sounds. Awake bruxism often manifests as clenching rather than grinding and may be triggered by concentration, stress, or anxiety.

Studies suggest that up to 31% of adults experience some form of bruxism. While many cases are mild, moderate to severe bruxism can lead to significant dental problems and discomfort over time.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

The exact causes of bruxism aren’t fully understood, but several factors appear to contribute. Stress and anxiety represent significant triggers, with teeth grinding serving as a physical manifestation of emotional tension. Sleep disorders, particularly sleep apnea, have strong associations with sleep bruxism.

Certain medications, including some antidepressants, can trigger bruxism as a side effect. Lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, smoking, and recreational drug use may increase the risk. People with competitive or hyperactive personalities may be more prone to bruxism.

Dental factors can play a role. Abnormal alignment of teeth (malocclusion) or changes to the bite from new dental work might trigger grinding. There also appears to be a genetic component, as bruxism often runs in families.

Signs You Might Have Bruxism

Recognizing the signs allows for earlier intervention. Common symptoms include waking with a sore jaw, persistent headaches (particularly in the temples), and worn, flattened, or chipped teeth. You might notice increased tooth sensitivity due to exposed dentin as enamel wears away. Some patients develop tight or painful jaw muscles or experience clicking or popping in the jaw joint.

Sleep partners often report hearing grinding sounds during the night. You might notice yourself clenching during stressful situations. Indentations along the tongue or cheeks can indicate clenching, as can morning earaches or facial pain without apparent cause.

Why Treating Bruxism Matters

Left untreated, chronic teeth grinding can lead to serious dental problems. The constant pressure damages tooth enamel, potentially leading to cracked, loose, or fractured teeth requiring extensive restorative work. The excessive force can strain the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to painful disorders affecting your ability to open and close your mouth comfortably.

Untreated bruxism can disrupt sleep quality for both you and your partner, leading to daytime fatigue. The chronic pain from headaches and jaw soreness can significantly impact quality of life, affecting everything from eating enjoyment to concentration.

How Dr. Gessell Addresses Bruxism

At our Southern Pines practice, Dr. Gessell takes a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating bruxism. During your evaluation, he’ll examine your teeth for wear patterns characteristic of grinding and assess your jaw muscles and joint function. He’ll discuss your symptoms, sleep quality, stress levels, and medications to identify potential contributing factors.

For most patients, a custom-fitted night guard provides the most effective protection. Unlike over-the-counter options, these professionally made appliances are precisely designed to fit your teeth and bite. They create a protective barrier between upper and lower teeth, preventing damage and reducing pressure on the jaw joint. Dr. Gessell carefully designs each night guard for optimal comfort and effectiveness.

For patients whose bruxism appears connected to sleep apnea, Dr. Gessell might recommend a sleep study and appropriate treatment for the underlying breathing disorder. When stress plays a significant role, he may suggest stress management techniques alongside dental treatments.

If bruxism has already caused damage to your teeth, Dr. Gessell offers restorative treatments like crowns or bonding to repair worn surfaces and restore proper bite alignment.

Managing Bruxism Day to Day

Several strategies can help manage bruxism. Stress reduction techniques like meditation or counseling may reduce grinding for stress-related cases. Physical therapy exercises can help relax jaw muscles and improve function.

Being mindful of daytime clenching—practicing keeping your teeth slightly apart with your tongue against the roof of your mouth—can reduce awake bruxism. Avoiding or limiting alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco may help reduce grinding episodes.

Applying warm compresses to the jaw before bed can help relax muscles. Some patients find that avoiding hard or chewy foods during flare-ups helps minimize discomfort.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth, don’t wait for damage to occur. Contact Dr. Conor Gessell’s dental practice in Southern Pines by calling 910-390-1259​ to schedule a consultation. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can protect your teeth and find relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of bruxism.