Teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism, can happen while you are awake or asleep.
The exact causes can vary. Stress, sleep-related factors, medications, lifestyle habits, and individual bite or muscle patterns may all play a role.
Many people are unaware that they grind their teeth until a dentist notices signs of wear. Possible symptoms include flattened or chipped teeth, jaw muscle tenderness, morning headaches, tooth sensitivity, or discomfort around the jaw joints.
Treatment depends on the individual situation. Your dentist may recommend monitoring the condition, modifying certain habits, addressing contributing factors, or using a custom dental appliance to help protect your teeth.
A night guard does not necessarily stop grinding, but it may help reduce damage to the teeth in appropriate cases.
If you think you may be grinding or clenching your teeth, Port Moody Smile Dental can assess your teeth, bite, and jaw and discuss possible management options.