Most people who grind their teeth at night have no idea they do. It's often only noticed through its consequences – or because a partner hears it.
How to recognise it
Nighttime grinding and clenching puts forces on the teeth far beyond what chewing produces – and for hours at a time. Typical signs include:
- A tense or tender jaw in the morning, sometimes with limited mouth opening.
- Headaches on waking, often around the temples.
- Flattened chewing surfaces or fine enamel cracks that we see at a check-up.
- Sensitive teeth, particularly at the tooth necks.
- Clicking or grating in the jaw joint.
- An imprint of the teeth on the edges of the tongue, or a whitish line on the inside of the cheek.
Not every one of these signs necessarily means bruxism, and a single symptom isn't enough for a diagnosis. So: don't diagnose yourself, bring it up with us. We look at the wear patterns – they're quite telling.
Where it comes from
There's usually no single cause. Psychological stress is considered the most important factor today – tension that gets processed, so to speak, at night. Sleep quality, certain medications, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine also play a role.
Interfering contacts between the upper and lower jaw, such as a filling or crown sitting too high, can additionally sustain the pattern. Today, though, they're no longer seen as the sole explanation they were long thought to be.
What helps
The splint
A lab-made occlusal splint is the most reliable way to protect the teeth. It's worn at night and absorbs the forces that would otherwise act on the enamel. Many patients also report that their morning tension improves.
Important to know: a splint treats the consequences, not the cause. It prevents damage but doesn't make the grinding go away. We advise against pre-made splints from the pharmacy – they rarely fit exactly and can shift the bite unfavourably.
Addressing the cause
Since stress is the most important driver, anything that lowers tension helps: regular exercise, relaxation techniques, a regular sleep rhythm, less caffeine and alcohol in the evening. It sounds unspectacular, but it works.
For pronounced symptoms in the jaw joint or chewing muscles, physiotherapy also makes sense. Where interfering contacts exist from fillings or crowns, we correct them.
What happens if you do nothing
Grinding isn't a disease in the strict sense, and not every case needs treatment. But if it continues unnoticed for years, the consequences add up: enamel gets thinner, teeth become shorter and more sensitive, fillings and crowns fracture more often. Tooth replacement also lasts less time under heavy grinding – one reason we ask about it before any larger restoration.
Conversely, the effort involved is manageable: an examination, a splint if needed, and an honest look at the stress in your life.
In short: a tense jaw in the morning, headaches and flattened teeth are the typical signs. A custom splint reliably protects the teeth but doesn't replace addressing the cause. Talk to us before larger damage occurs.