Many people who grind or clench their teeth have no idea they do it, because it happens while they sleep. The first clues are often a sore jaw in the morning, a dull headache, or a partner who hears the grinding. Over months and years, it can wear teeth down, crack them, and break fillings and crowns.
The short answer
Night-time grinding (called bruxism) is very common and is often linked to stress, poor sleep or caffeine. It usually can't be stopped completely, but a custom night guard protects your teeth from damage and often eases jaw pain. If you also snore loudly or wake up tired, mention it to your doctor, because grinding is sometimes linked to sleep apnoea.
Signs that you grind your teeth
- Jaw ache, stiffness or tiredness when you wake up.
- Headaches around the temples, especially in the morning.
- Teeth that look flat, short or chipped at the edges.
- Sensitive teeth without an obvious cause.
- Clicking or pain in the jaw joint in front of the ear.
- Ridges on the sides of your tongue, or bite marks on the inside of your cheeks.
- Fillings or crowns that keep cracking or coming loose.
What causes it?
- Stress and anxiety, the most common trigger.
- Sleep problems, including snoring and sleep apnoea.
- Caffeine, alcohol and smoking, especially in the evening.
- Some medicines, including certain antidepressants. Don't stop any medicine on your own; talk to your doctor.
- Daytime clenching habits while concentrating, driving or working at a screen.
What a night guard does
A night guard is a thin, hard plastic cover worn over the upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It does not stop the jaw muscles from working, but it takes the force instead of your enamel, spreads the pressure evenly, and lets the muscles relax. Many patients notice fewer morning headaches within a few weeks.
Custom vs store-bought guards
A custom guard is made from a scan or impression of your teeth. It fits precisely, stays in place, is thin enough to sleep in comfortably, and lasts several years. Boil-and-bite guards from a pharmacy are softer and bulkier. Some people chew on soft guards, which can make clenching worse, so they are best used as a short-term fix.
Other things that help
- During the day, keep lips together, teeth apart. Your teeth should only touch when you swallow or chew.
- Cut back on caffeine after mid-afternoon, and on alcohol in the evening.
- Wind down before bed: less screen time, light stretching, or a warm compress on the jaw muscles.
- Avoid chewing pens, ice or gum all day.
Repairing teeth already worn by grinding
Where grinding has already worn or chipped teeth, they can be rebuilt with bonding, crowns or, for front teeth, porcelain veneers. We always protect restorations with a night guard afterwards, so the new work isn't worn down the same way. Our guide to veneers vs crowns explains which suits heavily worn teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Can grinding be cured?
It can often be reduced by managing stress, sleep and caffeine, but many adults grind on and off for life. A night guard protects the teeth either way.
My child grinds at night. Should I worry?
Grinding is common in young children and most outgrow it, often by the time their adult teeth come in. Mention it at their next check-up so the dentist can check for wear.
How long does a night guard last?
A custom hard guard usually lasts several years, depending on how heavily you grind. Bring it to your check-ups so we can check its fit.
Will a night guard change my bite?
A properly made and adjusted guard should not. That's one reason a custom guard fitted by a dentist is safer than a generic one for long-term use.
Book a consultation in GK-1
If you wake up with jaw pain or headaches, we can check your teeth for signs of grinding. Ark Dental Global is at R-27, 1st Floor, Greater Kailash-1, New Delhi 110048, a short drive from GK-2, CR Park, Kalkaji, Lajpat Nagar and Saket. We are open Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM. Call or WhatsApp +91 99905 09300, or book online.
