Nightgrinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism is the medical term for clenching or grinding your teeth — most commonly during sleep. It is more common than most people realise, and because it happens while you are unconscious, it often goes undetected for years.

Many people only find out when a partner mentions the sound, or when a dentist points out wear patterns during a routine check-up. By that stage, damage has often already accumulated silently.

Signs you may be grinding

• Waking with headaches or a sore, tight jaw — especially first thing in the morning
• Front teeth that look shorter, flatter, or have started chipping
• Enlarged or tender jaw muscles (you may notice a squareness to the jaw)
• Increased tooth sensitivity as enamel wears away and exposes the inner layer
• Back teeth that crack or lose fillings more than you would expect
• Clicking or discomfort in the jaw joint (TMJ)
• Scalloped indentations along the sides of your tongue
• A partner who hears grinding sounds during sleep

If you are not sure, come in and we can examine your teeth and jaw for wear patterns — the signs are usually visible even when you have not noticed anything yourself.

Why it matters

Grinding is cumulative. In the short term it may cause jaw soreness. Over years, it flattens and shortens teeth, erodes enamel, causes fractures, and accelerates the ageing of your smile. In severe cases it can lead to tooth loss.

Once enamel is gone, it cannot be restored. A nightguard will stop further damage but cannot undo what has already occurred. For many patients, a nightguard worn consistently is the single most cost-effective piece of dental care they will ever receive — preventing crowns, root canals, and implants that might otherwise become necessary down the track.

Treatment

The primary treatment is a custom-fitted nightguard — a precision acrylic appliance made from impressions of your teeth. It fits over your upper or lower teeth during sleep and acts as a sacrificial barrier: the appliance absorbs the grinding force so your teeth do not have to. Over-the-counter guards from pharmacies are available, but a poorly fitting guard can strain jaw muscles and is significantly less effective than a custom-fitted one.

For patients with severe bruxism, Botox injections into the jaw muscles can reduce grinding force as a secondary measure alongside the nightguard. Certain factors are known to worsen bruxism: stress, poor sleep, alcohol, caffeine, and some medications including antidepressants. Addressing these where possible can help.

Sports mouthguards

A sports mouthguard is worn over your upper teeth during contact sport. It cushions the force of impacts that would otherwise drive your jaws together, protecting your teeth and jaw. Custom lab-made guards fit more securely and have been shown to provide better protection — including a measurable reduction in concussion risk — compared to store-bought options. Store-bought boil-and-bite guards are better than nothing if you need something in a hurry.