Special discounts on dental care now! Scroll down!
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): When Do You Need a Night Guard?
Wake up with a sore jaw, or does your partner complain about hearing grinding sounds while you sleep? This could be a sign of bruxism — the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth too forcefully, often happening completely unconsciously, especially during sleep.
Bali Dentica
9/24/20263 min read
Wake up with a sore jaw, or does your partner complain about hearing grinding sounds while you sleep? This could be a sign of bruxism — the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth too forcefully, often happening completely unconsciously, especially during sleep.
Many people only realize they have bruxism after a dentist spots the signs during a routine check-up — not because they noticed any symptoms themselves. In this article, we'll cover what bruxism is, why it happens, the signs to look for, and when it's time to start using a night guard.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the condition of grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw with excessive force outside of normal activities like chewing. It can happen at any time, but it's most common during sleep (called sleep bruxism) — this is also the type that most often goes unnoticed by the person experiencing it.
There's also awake bruxism, which is jaw clenching while you're conscious, usually linked to intense concentration or stress — for example, unconsciously clenching your jaw while focused on work or in a stressful situation.
Signs You May Have Bruxism
Because it often happens during sleep, many people don't realize they have bruxism until its effects start showing. Here are the signs worth paying attention to:
What Causes Bruxism?
Stress and anxiety — one of the most common triggers, especially during particularly stressful periods of life
An uneven bite (occlusion), causing the jaw to "search" for a comfortable position by clenching excessively
Certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, which have been linked to an increased risk of bruxism
Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, especially close to bedtime
Genetic factors — bruxism tends to be more common in people with a family history of the condition
A side effect of certain medications in a small number of cases
Why Shouldn't Bruxism Be Left Untreated?
Untreated bruxism over the long term can lead to several consequences:
Excessive tooth wear — the tooth surface erodes, making teeth appear shorter or flatter than their original shape.
Cracked or broken teeth — strong, repeated pressure can damage tooth structure, even in teeth that already have fillings or crowns.
Increased risk of TMJ disorder — excessive pressure on the jaw joint can trigger or worsen TMJ issues.
Chronic headaches — particularly recurring tension-type headaches in the morning.
Tooth sensitivity — resulting from enamel thinning due to repeated friction.
When Should You Start Using a Night Guard?
A night guard is a dental appliance worn during sleep that acts as a "cushion" between your upper and lower teeth, reducing the impact of friction and pressure from bruxism. A night guard is generally recommended if:
Your dentist finds clear signs of tooth wear during an examination
You frequently wake up with a sore jaw or headache
Your partner or family reports hearing grinding sounds while you sleep
You've started experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder linked to jaw-clenching habits
Important to know: a night guard doesn't cure bruxism itself — it protects your teeth from the damaging effects of friction and pressure. To address the root cause (such as stress or an uneven bite), additional treatment may be needed as recommended by your dentist.
Types of Night Guards
Custom night guard — made specifically from a mold of your teeth by a dentist, offering the best comfort and protection, though at a higher cost than other options
Boil-and-bite night guard — available at pharmacies, shaped at home by boiling in hot water and biting into it, more affordable but less precise than a custom version
Stock (ready-made) night guard — standard sizing with no adjustment, generally the least comfortable and not recommended for long-term use
For significant cases of bruxism, a custom night guard from a dentist is generally the most recommended option, since it fits the shape of your own teeth and tends to last longer.
Managing Bruxism Beyond Wearing a Night Guard
Manage stress — through exercise, meditation, or other relaxation activities that work for you.
Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, especially close to bedtime.
Pay attention to your jaw position during the day — try to keep your jaw relaxed (teeth not touching) when you're not eating.
If bruxism is linked to a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, treating that condition can also help reduce bruxism.
Get regular dental check-ups to monitor your teeth and the effectiveness of the night guard you're using.
Considering a Night Guard While in Bali?
If you suspect you have bruxism — whether from your own symptoms or feedback from someone close to you — don't wait until your teeth suffer further damage. At Bali Dentica, we'll examine the condition of your teeth and jaw, then discuss whether a custom night guard is right for you.
📍 Bali Dentica
Jl. Sedap Malam, Kesiman, East Denpasar, Bali
Open every day, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM WITA
⭐ 4.9-star Google rating from 57+ patient reviews
👉 WhatsApp Us Now for a bruxism and night guard consultation.
