Teeth Grinding Treatment in San Diego, CA
Waking up with a sore jaw, headaches, or worn teeth may mean you are grinding your teeth at night. At Apple Dental of San Diego, we diagnose teeth grinding and protect your smile with custom night guards and restorative care. Call (619) 236-9549 to schedule an appointment.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, gnashing, or clenching your teeth. It can happen during the day, often when you are concentrating or feeling stressed, or at night while you sleep. Many people who grind at night do not realize it until a partner hears the grinding or a dentist notices signs of wear during an exam.
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth
- Teeth that look flat, worn, chipped, or shorter than they used to
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Jaw pain, tightness, or a jaw that feels tired in the morning
- Dull headaches that start near the temples
- Earache-like pain without an ear infection
- Clicking or popping in the jaw joint
- Damaged fillings, crowns, or other dental work
- Disrupted sleep for you or your partner
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding has many possible causes. Stress and anxiety are among the most common. Other factors include an uneven bite, sleep issues such as snoring or sleep apnea, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications. Children may also grind their teeth, often when new teeth are coming in, and many outgrow it.
Why Grinding Needs Treatment
The force of grinding and clenching is much greater than normal chewing. Over time, it can wear away enamel, cause cracked or broken teeth, loosen teeth, and damage restorations. It can also strain the jaw muscles and joints. Treating bruxism early protects your natural teeth and any dental work you have invested in.
How We Treat Teeth Grinding
During your dental exam, we check for signs of wear, cracks, and jaw tension. Our intraoral camera lets you see the wear on your teeth for yourself.
Custom Night Guards
The most common treatment is a custom-fitted night guard. Made from impressions of your teeth, it creates a cushion between your upper and lower teeth so the force of grinding is absorbed by the guard instead of your enamel. Custom guards are more comfortable and durable than store-bought versions and are less likely to shift while you sleep.
Repairing Damaged Teeth
If grinding has already caused damage, we can restore your teeth with tooth-colored fillings, cracked tooth repair, porcelain crowns, or veneers.
Habits That Help
Try to notice and relax your jaw during the day, keep your lips together and teeth apart, limit caffeine and alcohol in the evening, and build stress-relief habits into your routine. If you snore or wake up tired, talk to your physician about whether a sleep issue may be involved. Learn about other dental conditions we treat.
Teeth Grinding FAQs
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common signs include waking with jaw pain or headaches, worn or chipped teeth, tooth sensitivity, or a partner hearing grinding sounds while you sleep.
Can teeth grinding damage my teeth?
Yes. Grinding can wear down enamel, cause cracks and chips, loosen teeth, and damage fillings and crowns over time.
What is the best treatment for teeth grinding?
A custom-fitted night guard is the most common treatment. It protects your teeth by absorbing the force of grinding while you sleep.
Are custom night guards better than store-bought guards?
Custom night guards are made from impressions of your teeth, so they fit better, feel more comfortable, last longer, and are less likely to shift during the night.
What causes teeth grinding?
Stress and anxiety are common causes. Other factors include an uneven bite, sleep issues, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications.
Do children grind their teeth?
Yes, many children grind their teeth, often while teeth are coming in. Most outgrow it, but we monitor for wear during their checkups.
Can teeth grinding cause headaches?
Yes. Grinding and clenching strain the jaw muscles, which can cause dull headaches near the temples, especially in the morning.
Protect Your Teeth From Grinding
A custom night guard can protect your smile while you sleep. Call (619) 236-9549 or request an appointment online.