Teeth grinding affects millions of Americans, often occurring during sleep when you’re completely unaware of the habit. This unconscious clenching and grinding can wear down tooth enamel, cause jaw pain, trigger headaches, and lead to cracked or damaged teeth over time. Many people only discover they grind their teeth when a dentist notices the telltale signs of wear or when a partner mentions the grinding sounds at night.
General dentistry treatments can effectively protect your teeth from grinding damage and help you avoid costly restorations down the line. At Dental Group of Chicago, we provide custom nightguards and comprehensive care to address bruxism before it causes permanent damage to your smile.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching. This condition occurs in two forms: sleep bruxism happens unconsciously during the night, while awake bruxism occurs during the day, often triggered by stress or concentration. Sleep bruxism is particularly problematic because you can’t control it, and the force exerted during grinding can be significantly greater than normal chewing pressure.
A 2021 survey showed more than 70% of dentists noticed signs of teeth grinding and clenching in their patients, an increase of nearly 10% over the previous year. This uptick corresponds with rising stress levels in modern life, as anxiety and tension are primary triggers for both forms of bruxism. The condition affects people of all ages, though the causes and manifestations can vary. In adults, stress, anxiety, certain medications, and sleep disorders frequently contribute to grinding.
Many people remain unaware they grind their teeth until a dentist identifies wear patterns during a routine examination or a sleeping partner reports the grinding sounds. Morning jaw soreness or tightness is one of the most common complaints. You might wake up with a tired or tight feeling in your jaw muscles, as if you’ve been clenching them for hours. Dull headaches, particularly those originating at the temples, frequently accompany teeth grinding.
How Teeth Grinding Damages Your Smile
The consequences of untreated bruxism extend beyond temporary discomfort. Over time, the constant grinding pressure can cause significant dental damage requiring extensive restorations. Enamel wear represents the most immediate concern. Tooth enamel, while incredibly strong, cannot regenerate once worn away. As grinding gradually wears down this protective layer, teeth become vulnerable to decay and sensitivity.
Tooth fractures occur when the grinding forces exceed what your teeth can withstand. These cracks can be tiny and superficial or extend deep into the tooth, potentially reaching the pulp and requiring root canal treatment. Some fractures remain stable for years, while others progress rapidly, ultimately leading to tooth loss. Existing dental work faces particular vulnerability to grinding damage. Fillings can crack or fall out, crowns can loosen or break, and veneers can chip or dislodge.
Treatment Options for Bruxism
Addressing bruxism typically involves multiple approaches, with protective nightguards serving as the primary defense for most patients. These custom-fitted appliances create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing direct contact and distributing grinding forces more evenly.
Custom Nightguards
Nightguards custom-made by your dentist offer superior protection compared to over-the-counter alternatives. We create these guards from durable materials designed to withstand grinding forces while remaining comfortable enough for nightly wear. The custom fit ensures the guard stays in place throughout the night and doesn’t interfere with breathing or cause jaw discomfort.
The process begins with taking precise scans of your teeth. We use these scans to fabricate a nightguard specifically contoured to your mouth. This custom fit prevents the bulkiness and poor retention common with store-bought guards. Most patients adapt to wearing their nightguard within a few nights. Nightguards don’t stop you from grinding, but they protect your teeth from damage. The guard absorbs and distributes the grinding forces, preventing direct tooth-to-tooth contact.
Stress Management and Lifestyle Changes
Since stress plays a major role in bruxism for many patients, addressing the underlying tension can reduce grinding frequency and intensity. Practice relaxation techniques before bed, such as deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation. Reduce caffeine intake, particularly in the afternoon and evening. Avoid alcohol before bedtime, as it can worsen grinding. Create a calming bedtime routine to help your mind and body wind down. Exercise regularly to reduce overall stress levels, but avoid vigorous activity close to bedtime.
These lifestyle modifications work best in combination with protective nightguards rather than as standalone treatments. While reducing stress may decrease grinding frequency, most people cannot eliminate the habit through stress management alone.
Dental Corrections
Some cases of bruxism stem from bite problems or misaligned teeth. When teeth don’t come together properly, your jaw muscles may work harder to find a comfortable resting position, leading to clenching and grinding. Correcting these alignment issues can reduce or eliminate grinding in some patients. Treatment might involve orthodontic correction to properly align your teeth, or adjusting the biting surfaces of your teeth to eliminate high spots causing premature contact. Dental crowns can rebuild teeth worn down by years of grinding, restoring proper bite relationships.
Protecting Your Teeth Long-Term
Successfully managing bruxism requires ongoing vigilance and regular dental care. Even with a nightguard, you should maintain regular dental examinations so we can monitor for any new damage or changes in wear patterns. These checkups allow us to adjust your treatment approach as needed.
Your nightguard needs proper care to remain effective. Rinse it thoroughly with cool water after each use, and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Store it in its protective case to prevent damage. Bring your nightguard to dental appointments so we can check its condition and make sure it still fits properly. Most nightguards last several years with proper care, though heavy grinders may need replacements more frequently. As your teeth shift slightly over time or if you receive dental work, your nightguard may require adjustment or replacement to maintain its protective fit.
Bruxism Treatment at Dental Group of Chicago
We provide comprehensive care for teeth grinding, from diagnosis through long-term management. Our approach focuses on protecting your teeth from damage while addressing the underlying factors contributing to your grinding habit. We’re open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM and Saturdays from 8 AM to 2 PM, making it convenient to schedule appointments around your busy life. Located in Chicago’s South Loop, we serve patients throughout the greater Chicagoland area with accessible, quality dental care.
If you wake up with jaw soreness, experience frequent headaches, or have been told you grind your teeth at night, don’t wait for damage to occur. Early intervention with a custom nightguard can protect your smile and prevent the need for extensive restorative work later. We accept most major insurance plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, Guardian, and United Healthcare. Our experienced dental team can evaluate your teeth for signs of grinding and create a treatment plan to protect your smile. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and learn how we can help you stop bruxism from damaging your teeth.
