Bruxism — the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth — affects an estimated 8–10% of adults, with most unaware they are doing it until a dentist notices the wear patterns.
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth
Common signs include worn-down tooth surfaces (especially on the biting edges), cracked or chipped teeth, morning headaches or jaw pain, jaw muscle tenderness or tightness, tooth sensitivity to temperature, and a partner reporting the sound of grinding at night. Your dentist can identify characteristic wear patterns during a routine examination.
What Causes Bruxism
The exact causes are multifactorial. Stress and anxiety are strongly linked to bruxism — the jaw clenches as part of the body's stress response. Sleep disorders (especially sleep apnea), certain medications (particularly SSRIs), and misaligned teeth are also contributing factors. In children, it often resolves on its own.
Treatment Options
A custom-fitted night guard (occlusal splint) is the most effective treatment for protecting teeth from grinding damage. It does not stop the grinding itself — but it absorbs the force and prevents wear. Stress management techniques, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and treating underlying sleep disorders can reduce the severity. In some cases, Botox injections into the masseter muscles reduce grinding force.
Why You Should Not Ignore It
Untreated bruxism gradually destroys enamel — which cannot regenerate — and can crack teeth, damage dental work, and lead to TMJ disorder. The sooner a night guard is fitted, the more tooth structure is preserved. At Smileworks Dental in Calgary, we assess for bruxism at every check-up and can fit a custom night guard quickly.