Why You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth and How to Stop

Most people don’t even realize they grind their teeth—until their dentist spots the signs.

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can happen during the day or while you sleep. Left untreated, it can cause serious wear and tear on your smile, as well as chronic jaw pain, headaches, and other frustrating symptoms.

The good news? At Williams, Daily & Frazier Dental in Raleigh, we help patients catch bruxism early, prevent long-term damage, and find relief that actually works.

Common Signs of Teeth Grinding (Even If You Don’t Know You’re Doing It)

You might be grinding your teeth if you’re noticing:

• Waking up with headaches or a tight jaw
• Chipped, cracked, or flattened teeth
• Tooth sensitivity with no sign of cavities
• Clicking or popping in the jaw joint (often TMJ-related)
• Soreness in the neck, shoulders, or ears
• Visible wear on enamel, often discovered at your dental exam

These signs can sneak up slowly, so regular dental visits are key. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a visit and discuss bruxism with your dental team.

See how we restore teeth affected by grinding or wear.

Why You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth

Understanding the “why” behind grinding helps guide your treatment. Common causes include:

Stress and Anxiety: The most common culprit. Your body holds tension in the jaw, especially during sleep.

Sleep Disorders: Grinding often occurs alongside sleep apnea or poor sleep cycles. If you're waking up tired, it could be connected.

Bite Misalignment or Missing Teeth: If your bite is uneven, your jaw may try to compensate—leading to clenching and grinding.

Caffeine, Alcohol, or Certain Medications: Stimulants and some antidepressants are known to increase nighttime grinding.

For more insight, the Cleveland Clinic explains bruxism and its connection to lifestyle and sleep health and how to spot the signs early.

Why It’s a Problem, Even If It’s Silent

You might not hear or feel the grinding, but your teeth do.

• Tooth Enamel doesn’t grow back. Once it’s worn down, your teeth are more vulnerable to decay and fractures.
• Jaw strain adds up. Grinding overworks your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can lead to pain or dysfunction.
• You could lose teeth. Chronic bruxism can lead to cracked fillings, root canals, or even tooth loss if left untreated.

Concerned about jaw pain or tooth wear? Schedule a consultation.

How to Treat (and Prevent) Teeth Grinding

1. Custom Night Guards

A night guard is one of the most effective and non-invasive treatments for bruxism. These dentist-made mouthpieces create a soft but durable barrier between your upper and lower teeth while you sleep.

• Custom-fit to your mouth for comfort and stability
• Reduces tension on the jaw
• Prevents further enamel wear and dental damage

They’re very different from store-bought mouthguards and much more effective in protecting your teeth long term.

2. Stress Management Techniques

Because stress is often the root cause, we often recommend trying:

• Deep breathing or mindfulness before bed
• Counseling or therapy
• Regular physical activity or stretching

Managing your stress outside the dentist’s office is a powerful way to improve what happens while you sleep.

3. Treating Underlying Sleep Issues

If sleep apnea or a related disorder is suspected, your dentist or physician may recommend a sleep study. Treating these root issues can significantly reduce nighttime grinding and improve overall quality of life.

4. Jaw Relaxation and Physical Therapy

In more advanced cases, we may recommend:

• Jaw stretches or massage techniques
• Physical therapy to reduce muscle tightness
• Botox therapy, which some patients use to relax overactive jaw muscles and reduce clenching (Consult your doctor first)

Why Choose Us for Bruxism Care?

At Williams, Daily & Frazier Dental, we don’t just spot the signs of teeth grinding, we help you get ahead of it.

• Experienced care for all ages: Whether you’re a parent noticing signs in a child or an adult with growing symptoms, we offer solutions tailored to your needs.
• Advanced diagnostics: We know what to look for and how to connect the dots between your symptoms and grinding behavior.
• Custom night guards made in partnership with trusted labs: They’re comfortable, precise, and proven to protect your teeth.
• Collaborative care: We’ll work with your physician or sleep specialist if we suspect related sleep issues are playing a role.
• No guesswork, just real answers: Our goal is to help you sleep easier, smile more confidently, and avoid long-term damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do night guards really work?

Yes. Custom night guards protect your teeth from further wear and can relieve strain on the jaw muscles and TMJ.

Can kids grind their teeth too?

Yes. It’s common in children, especially during developmental stages. Most outgrow it, but if it continues past age 6 or 7, it’s worth monitoring with your pediatric or family dentist.

Will grinding go away on its own?

In some cases, yes, but many people grind for years without realizing it. A dental exam is the best way to know for sure.

Protect Your Smile While You Sleep

Bruxism may not seem like a big deal but over time, it can quietly damage your teeth, wear down enamel, and leave you with jaw pain that doesn’t go away.

We help Raleigh patients take a proactive approach to teeth grinding. From night guards to restorative treatments, we’ll guide you every step of the way so your smile stays strong and pain-free.

Not sure if you’re grinding your teeth? Schedule an appointment with our team—we’ll take a closer look and help you rest easier, night after night.