Signs that point to bruxism
Bruxism is the habit of clenching or sliding your teeth together outside of chewing. It can happen at night while you sleep, or during the day almost without you noticing: while driving, or while working at a screen. The force involved is far greater than when you eat, which is why wear and muscle tension usually show up long before any pain does. These are the most common warning signs:
- Flatter teeth, with worn edges or small chips in the enamel.
- A tired or stiff jaw when you wake up, especially in the first few minutes.
- A morning headache around the temples that eases off as the day goes on.
- Sensitivity to cold or when chewing, with no decay to explain it.
- Fillings or crown margins that keep chipping or coming loose.
- Ridged marks along the sides of your tongue or on the inside of your cheeks.
Why you clench your teeth
There is rarely a single cause. Stress and anxiety play a clear part: during busy spells, or when you are sleeping badly, night-time muscle activity goes up. Sleep quality matters too, as night-time grinding is often linked to brief arousals during the night and, in some cases, to sleep apnoea. Certain medicines and evening caffeine, alcohol or tobacco can also add to it.
The way your teeth meet may contribute, but it is now seen as a contributing factor rather than the root of the problem. That is why treatment never begins by grinding teeth down: first we protect what you have and keep an eye on it, and only then do we consider whether the bite needs adjusting.
How we diagnose it
At the appointment we look at the wear tooth by tooth and compare it with what we would expect for your age, feel the masseter and temporal muscles to see whether they are tight or tender, and check how your jaw opens and closes. We also examine your tongue and cheeks, where the marks give away the pressure applied overnight.
We usually take photographs and a scan — or impressions — to record how things stand today. A year later we can compare and see whether the wear is progressing or has stopped. If we suspect the joint is involved, we arrange a panoramic X-ray or a dental CT scan, both taken at Centre Mèdic Palafrugell, part of the same group.
The night guard, step by step
A night guard is a rigid, clear resin appliance that covers the teeth of one arch, usually the upper one. It does not cure bruxism, because it does not remove the habit, but it spreads the forces, stops the enamel wearing down further and leaves the muscles more relaxed. Many people notice they wake up with less tension within a few weeks.
It is made to measure. We scan or take impressions of both arches and record your bite; the laboratory makes the guard and, at a second appointment, we adjust it with articulating paper until the contacts are evenly spread. Sleeping with it takes a little getting used to, but after a week or two you barely notice it.
- Wear it every night: if it sits in a drawer for weeks, it may stop fitting.
- Clean it with cold water and a soft brush, never with abrasive toothpaste.
- No hot water and no dishwasher: the resin warps.
- Store it dry in its case, well out of reach of pets.
- Bring it to your check-ups so we can inspect and readjust it.
When the jaw joint needs looking at
The temporomandibular joint links your lower jaw to the skull, just in front of the ear. It is worth assessing properly if you hear clicking when you open, if your jaw has ever locked open or shut, if you cannot open as wide as you used to, or if the pain spreads towards the ear, the neck or the temples.
In those cases the night guard is one part of the plan rather than the whole of it. We add gentle exercises, local heat and muscle rest, daytime advice — no chewing pens, no clenching at the computer — and, where appropriate, we work alongside a physiotherapist or your doctor if sleep apnoea is suspected.
Booking an appointment
If any of this sounds familiar, it is worth having it looked at before the wear goes further: rebuilding lost enamel is a good deal harder than protecting what you still have. Call us on 972 30 65 64 or write to us through the contact form and we will arrange an assessment at the clinic.
Questions about this topic
Does a night guard cure bruxism?
No. Bruxism is a habit and the guard does not make it go away, but it protects the enamel, prevents fillings and crowns from fracturing and reduces muscle tension. That is why we combine it with sleep advice, stress management and, where useful, exercises.
How long will I need to wear it?
Usually every night, and for as long as the habit lasts, which tends to be a long time. During calmer spells you may notice less tension, but it is best not to stop altogether: clenching normally returns and the guard needs to still fit when you need it.
Can children grind their teeth too?
Yes, and it is fairly common between the ages of three and ten. In most cases it settles on its own as the adult teeth come through and no guard is needed. We simply monitor the wear at check-ups and act only if there is pain or significant enamel loss.
Would you like us to take a look? Call us on 972 30 65 64 or write to us using the contact form.