Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, usually during sleep and without realising it. A device cannot cure it, but a custom-made night guard protects the teeth from wear and fractures while we also look at what triggers it.
Below we explain how to tell whether you grind your teeth, why it happens, what a night guard actually does and when the problem also involves the jaw joint.
What is bruxism?
There are two forms. Sleep bruxism, where the teeth grind or clench at night, often with enough force to be heard by the person next to you. And awake bruxism, which is mostly clenching: while driving, working at a computer or concentrating, the teeth touch and the jaw muscles stay tense without us noticing.
Grinding at night is fairly common in young children and usually passes with time. If it comes with pain or visible wear on the teeth, it is worth having it checked by a dentist.
Signs that you grind your teeth
- A tired or sore jaw when you wake up.
- Headaches at the temples, especially in the morning.
- Worn, flattened or shortened teeth, with edges that look ground down.
- Small chips in the enamel, fillings or crowns.
- Sensitivity to cold, because the enamel becomes thinner.
- Your partner hears grinding at night.
- Marks on the tongue or inside the cheek from the teeth.
Many people only find out they grind their teeth at a routine check-up, when the dentist sees wear patterns that cannot be explained another way.
Why do we grind our teeth?
There is usually no single cause. Common contributors include:
- Stress and tension, the most common factor.
- Poor or broken sleep. If you snore loudly or stop breathing for short periods while asleep, it is worth discussing this with your doctor as well.
- Caffeine, alcohol and smoking, especially in the evening.
- Some medicines, such as certain antidepressants.
- Daytime habits, such as chewing pens or biting nails.
So alongside the guard, we talk about these factors too. Sometimes a small change in daily routine makes a noticeable difference.
How a night guard helps
A night guard is a thin, durable appliance made precisely for your teeth, which you wear while you sleep. It does not stop the habit itself. What it does is take the forces of grinding instead of your teeth, fillings and crowns. Many patients also say their jaw feels more relaxed in the morning, although this varies from person to person.
How it is made
It usually takes two short visits, with no anaesthetic. At the first, we check the teeth for wear and cracks, examine the jaw joints and muscles and take precise impressions. At the second, we fit the guard, adjust it so your bite meets evenly and show you how to put it in, take it out and clean it.
Pharmacy guard or custom-made?
Ready-made guards from shops are usually bulkier and do not fit the teeth evenly, so many people cannot keep them in all night. A custom guard is thinner, stays in place and is adjusted to your own bite.
Bruxism and the jaw joint (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, sits just in front of the ear and opens and closes the mouth. Constant clenching and grinding tires the muscles around it and can be linked with:
- Clicking or grating when you open your mouth.
- Pain in front of the ear or in the face muscles.
- Limited opening of the mouth, or a feeling that the jaw catches.
We examine the joints and muscles in every patient with these symptoms. In many cases the guard and some simple advice help. If the findings point to something more complex, we refer you to the appropriate specialist.
What you can do yourself
- Watch for daytime clenching. Lips together, teeth apart, tongue relaxed.
- Cut back on coffee and alcohol in the evening.
- Look after your sleep with regular hours and some screen-free time before bed.
- Avoid chewing gum and biting objects, which tire the muscles even more.
Cost and GESY
For adults, GESY covers one clinical examination and one cleaning a year; night guards are not covered. Your GESY check-up is, however, a good moment for us to spot signs of grinding. We tell you the cost of the guard after the examination, before we start. You can read more on our Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) & Night Guards treatment page.
Frequently asked questions
Will a night guard stop me grinding?
Not by itself. The guard protects your teeth from the forces of grinding. For the habit itself, it helps to look together at stress, sleep and daytime habits.
How long does a night guard last?
It depends on how strongly you grind. Many last several years. We check it at every check-up and tell you when it needs replacing.
How do I clean it?
Rinse it after each use and brush it gently with a soft brush and cold water. Hot water can warp it. Store it dry in its case, away from heat and pets.
Can grinding damage fillings or crowns?
Yes. Grinding can wear or chip fillings, crowns and veneers as well as natural teeth, which is why we often recommend a night guard after this kind of treatment.
Book an appointment
If you wake up with a clenched jaw or notice your teeth wearing down, call us on 77 773 003 or send a message on WhatsApp or Viber to 95 133 089. At DentLux Clinic in Aglantzia, Nicosia, we will examine your teeth and jaw and tell you whether a night guard suits your case.
