Hi, I’m Dr. Sutera, founder of Aesthetic Smile Reconstruction in Boston. If you wake up with a sore jaw, sensitive teeth, or morning headaches, you might be grinding your teeth in your sleep. It’s called bruxism teeth grinding, and trust me—you’re not alone. Millions of people clench or grind their teeth without realizing it. The good news? We can help you stop it before it causes long-term damage.
What Is Bruxism, and Why Does It Happen?
Bruxism is when you clench or grind your teeth, either while you’re awake or during sleep. It’s often tied to stress, sleep disorders, or even certain medications. There are two main types:
- Awake bruxism – You clench your jaw during the day, usually from stress or focus.
- Sleep bruxism – You grind your teeth at night, often without even knowing it.
It may start out mild, but over time it can wear down your teeth, cause jaw pain, and even affect your sleep.
What Are the Signs of Teeth Grinding?
You may not know you’re grinding unless a dentist or partner points it out. But here are some common symptoms:
- Sore jaw or face when you wake up
- Clicking or popping in your jaw (TMJ symptoms)
- Worn, flat, or chipped teeth
- Morning headaches
- Tightness in your temples or neck
If these sound familiar, it’s time to take action.
What Causes Bruxism?
Bruxism is complex, but here’s what we see most often:
- Stress and anxiety – This is the number one trigger, especially for awake bruxism.
- Sleep issues – Grinding often goes hand in hand with sleep apnea or restless sleep.
- Medications – Certain antidepressants (like SSRIs) and stimulants can cause grinding.
- Lifestyle habits – Smoking, caffeine, and alcohol can increase the risk.
- Bite issues – Misaligned teeth or missing back teeth may play a role too.
How Do You Treat Bruxism Safely?
At Aesthetic Smile Reconstruction, we take a whole-body approach to treating bruxism teeth grinding. Your treatment plan may include:
1. Custom Night Guards
These protect your teeth while you sleep. We make them right here in our Boston office to fit you perfectly. They help:
- Reduce tooth wear
- Relax jaw muscles
- Prevent further damage
2. Botox for Bruxism
Yes, Botox! A few tiny injections in the jaw can relax overworked muscles. It doesn’t affect your smile, and relief can last 3–6 months.
3. Stress Management
Grinding is often your body’s way of coping with tension. We can help you explore calming habits like:
- Deep breathing or meditation
- Physical therapy for posture
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
4. Lifestyle Changes
Simple changes go a long way:
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
- Avoid chewing gum or pens
- Set reminders to unclench your jaw during the day
How Do I Know if I Have Sleep Bruxism?
You might not hear yourself grind—but your dentist can spot the signs. In some cases, we use technology like:
- BruxCheckers – These show exactly where your teeth are hitting at night.
- Sleep studies – If we suspect sleep apnea, we may recommend a sleep evaluation.
If you’re waking up tired, this step is key.
What Happens If I Ignore Bruxism?
Bruxism doesn’t go away on its own. If left untreated, it can lead to:
- Cracked or broken teeth
- TMJ disorder and jaw pain
- Gum recession
- Changes in your face shape
That’s why early diagnosis matters. We catch it early, treat it gently, and protect your long-term smile.
Does Bruxism Go Away?
Bruxism in kids often fades as they grow. But for adults, it’s more likely to stick around without help. That’s why treating teeth clenching at night now is the best way to prevent bigger issues later.
Let’s Protect Your Smile Together
If you’re grinding your teeth, clenching your jaw, or dealing with daily headaches, we’re here to help. You deserve a peaceful night’s sleep and a pain-free smile.
Ready to stop grinding and start healing? Schedule your consultation with me, Dr. Sutera, at Aesthetic Smile Reconstruction today.
We’ll find a solution that fits your life—gently, comfortably, and with the care you deserve.
Bruxism is the medical term for clenching or grinding your teeth. It can occur while you are awake or during sleep. The two main types are awake bruxism, which is often linked to stress or focus during the day, and sleep bruxism, where grinding happens unconsciously at night.
Symptoms can vary, but some common signs of bruxism include waking up with a sore jaw or face, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw (TMJ symptoms), teeth that appear worn, flat, or chipped, experiencing morning headaches, and tightness in the temples or neck area.
