Bruxism — the clinical term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching — affects an estimated 10–15% of adults, and most of them have no idea they do it. The grinding happens during sleep, which means the first clues are often a sore jaw in the morning, unexplained headaches, or a dentist pointing out unusual wear patterns on your teeth.

Left untreated, bruxism causes serious, cumulative damage: cracked teeth, worn enamel, lost fillings, jaw joint problems, and in severe cases, tooth loss. The good news is that it is very manageable once diagnosed. Here is what Dr. Ariana Merchi wants Riverview patients to know.

Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth

Because most grinding happens during sleep, patients are often unaware of it until damage accumulates. Watch for these warning signs:

• Morning jaw soreness or stiffness — the muscles used for grinding are the same ones used for chewing; overworking them overnight causes aching
• Headaches upon waking — particularly tension headaches at the temples, which are caused by the temporalis muscle contracting during grinding
• Ear pain or fullness — the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sits directly in front of the ear canal; grinding strains this joint and can mimic ear problems
• Tooth sensitivity — grinding wears away enamel, exposing the sensitive dentin layer underneath
• Flattened, chipped, or worn teeth — your dentist can identify this during a routine exam, often before you notice it yourself
• Scalloped tongue edges — indentations along the sides of the tongue from pressing against teeth during clenching
• Cheek tissue damage — biting the inside of your cheeks during sleep
• A partner reporting grinding sounds — bruxism can be loud enough to wake a sleeping partner

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Bruxism is rarely caused by a single factor. The most common contributors include:

The Damage Bruxism Causes Over Time

Grinding exerts forces on teeth that far exceed normal chewing — sometimes 10 times greater. Over months and years, this causes:

• Enamel erosion — enamel does not regenerate; once worn away, the underlying dentin is permanently exposed
• Cracked teeth — hairline cracks from grinding can propagate into full fractures requiring crowns or extraction
• Lost fillings and crowns — the forces of grinding dislodge restorations far faster than normal wear
• TMJ disorder (TMD) — chronic strain on the temporomandibular joint causes clicking, locking, and pain that can become debilitating
• Gum recession — the lateral forces of grinding can cause gum tissue to recede, exposing sensitive root surfaces
• Tooth loss — in severe, long-term cases, teeth can become so compromised that extraction is necessary

Treatment Options for Bruxism

Custom Night Guard (Occlusal Splint)

A custom-fitted night guard is the cornerstone of bruxism treatment. Made from hard acrylic or a combination of hard and soft materials, it creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth that absorbs grinding forces and prevents enamel contact.

The key word is custom. Store-bought boil-and-bite guards are bulky, uncomfortable, and often cause patients to grind harder against them. A guard fabricated from precise impressions of your teeth fits accurately, stays in place, and is thin enough to sleep comfortably. Most patients adapt within a week or two.

Addressing the Root Cause

A night guard protects your teeth but does not stop the grinding itself. For long-term improvement, addressing underlying causes is important:

• Stress management — therapy, exercise, mindfulness, and sleep hygiene improvements can meaningfully reduce stress-related grinding
• Sleep apnea treatment — if OSA is contributing, treating it with a CPAP or oral appliance often reduces bruxism significantly
• Bite correction — orthodontics or selective equilibration (minor reshaping of tooth surfaces) can eliminate grinding triggered by malocclusion
• Medication review — if a medication is contributing, your physician may be able to adjust the dose or switch to an alternative

Botox for Bruxism

For patients with severe bruxism who do not respond adequately to a night guard, Botox injections into the masseter muscles (the large chewing muscles at the jaw angle) can significantly reduce grinding force. The injections temporarily weaken the muscle, reducing its ability to generate the high forces associated with bruxism. Dr. Merchi offers this treatment at Omni Dental Studio as part of her facial esthetics services.

Repairing Existing Damage

If bruxism has already caused significant wear or damage, restorative treatment may be needed alongside a night guard. Options include dental bonding for minor chips, porcelain veneers for worn front teeth, and crowns for severely damaged back teeth. Dr. Merchi will assess the extent of damage at your exam and recommend the most conservative approach.

Bruxism in Children

Teeth grinding is also common in children, particularly between ages 3–10. In most cases, childhood bruxism resolves on its own as the permanent teeth come in and the bite stabilizes. However, if your child complains of jaw pain or you notice significant wear on their teeth, mention it at their next dental visit. Night guards are available for children when needed.

When to See a Dentist About Grinding

Schedule an appointment if you notice any of the warning signs listed above, or if a partner has mentioned hearing grinding sounds. The earlier bruxism is identified, the less damage it causes and the simpler the treatment. A routine exam at Omni Dental Studio includes a bruxism assessment — Dr. Merchi checks for wear patterns, cracks, and jaw joint health at every visit.