If you wake up with a sore jaw, sensitive teeth or a morning headache, you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep. It’s called bruxism, and you’re far from alone. Millions of people clench or grind without knowing it. The good news is that it can be treated before it does lasting damage.
I’m Dr. Charles Sutera. At my practice in Waltham, near Boston, I see bruxism every week. Here’s what it is, how to spot it, what causes it and how we treat it.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is clenching or grinding your teeth when you aren’t eating, either while you’re awake or while you sleep. It’s often tied to stress, sleep problems or certain medications.
There are two main types:
- Awake bruxism. You clench your jaw during the day, usually when you’re stressed or concentrating.
- Sleep bruxism. You grind your teeth at night, often without ever knowing it.
It may start mild. Over time it can wear down your teeth, cause jaw pain and disrupt your sleep.
What are the signs of teeth grinding?
Morning jaw soreness and worn teeth are the most common clues. Many people only find out when a dentist or partner notices. Watch for:
- A sore jaw or face when you wake up
- Clicking or popping in the jaw (TMJ symptoms)
- Worn, flat or chipped teeth
- Morning headaches
- Tightness in your temples or neck
If these sound familiar, it’s worth getting checked.
What causes bruxism?
Usually several things at once. Bruxism is complex, but these are the causes I see most often:
- Stress and anxiety. A leading trigger, especially for daytime clenching.
- Sleep problems. Grinding often goes along with sleep apnea or restless sleep.
- Medications. Some antidepressants, such as SSRIs, and stimulants can trigger grinding.
- Lifestyle habits. Smoking, caffeine and alcohol raise the risk.
- Bite problems. Misaligned teeth or missing back teeth can play a role.
How is bruxism treated?
By protecting the teeth and addressing what drives the grinding. I look at the whole picture, and a plan often combines several of these.
1. Custom night guards
A night guard made for your bite protects your teeth while you sleep. It helps:
- Reduce tooth wear
- Ease the load on your jaw muscles
- Prevent further damage
2. Botox for bruxism
Yes, Botox. A few small injections in the jaw muscles relax them when they’re overworked. It doesn’t change your smile, and relief usually lasts 3 to 6 months.
3. Stress management
Grinding is often your body’s way of coping with tension. Calming habits can help:
- Deep breathing or meditation
- Physical therapy for posture
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
4. Lifestyle changes
Small changes add up:
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
- Stop chewing gum or pens
- Set reminders to unclench your jaw during the day
How do I know if I have sleep bruxism?
A dentist can usually see the signs even if you never hear yourself grind. Wear patterns on the teeth and sore jaw muscles tell much of the story. Sometimes I use extra tools:
- BruxChecker. A thin film worn at night that shows exactly where your teeth rub.
- Sleep studies. If I suspect sleep apnea, I’ll recommend a sleep evaluation.
If you wake up tired most mornings, this step matters.
What happens if bruxism isn’t treated?
The damage builds. Untreated grinding can lead to:
- Cracked or broken teeth
- TMJ disorder and jaw pain
- Gum recession
- Changes in face shape as the jaw muscles enlarge
That’s why early diagnosis matters. Catching it early makes treatment simpler and protects your smile long term.
Does bruxism go away on its own?
In children, often yes. Grinding is common during growth and usually fades. In adults, it tends to stick around without treatment, so dealing with nighttime clenching now prevents bigger problems later.
When should you see a dentist about teeth grinding?
When you notice the signs above, especially jaw pain, headaches or worn teeth. You deserve a full night’s sleep and a pain-free smile.
Ready to stop grinding? Schedule your consultation with me, Dr. Sutera, at Aesthetic Smile Reconstruction. We’ll find a solution that fits your life, gently and comfortably.
Not close to Waltham? Patients from Brookline, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, Wellesley, Concord, Lexington and Waltham can send photos and records before they travel, so Dr. Charles Sutera can review them first. Find us at 75 3rd Ave, Waltham, MA 02451, call (781) 487-1111, or read how TMJ evaluation and treatment work.
