If you wake up with a sore jaw, dull headache, or teeth that feel sensitive for no obvious reason, you might be one of the millions of Canadians who grind their teeth at night. Known medically as bruxism, teeth grinding is surprisingly common and often goes undiagnosed until significant damage has already occurred. Understanding the causes, recognizing the signs, and knowing your treatment options can save your teeth — and your sleep.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, and it can happen during the day or while you sleep. Daytime bruxism, often called awake bruxism, typically involves clenching your jaw during periods of concentration or stress. Sleep bruxism is a movement disorder where you unconsciously grind or clench during the night, sometimes with enough force to crack teeth or wear them down to stumps over time.
Sleep bruxism is particularly concerning because you may have no idea you’re doing it. Many people only discover they grind their teeth when a sleeping partner mentions the noise, or when their dentist notices the telltale wear patterns during a routine exam.
Common Signs You Might Be Grinding
The symptoms of bruxism can be subtle at first and are often attributed to other causes. Watch for morning headaches concentrated in the temples, jaw pain or stiffness when you wake up, teeth that look flattened, chipped, or worn down, increased tooth sensitivity without obvious decay, pain or tightness in your jaw muscles throughout the day, earaches that aren’t caused by an ear infection, and indentations on the sides of your tongue.
Over time, untreated bruxism can cause serious damage including cracked or fractured teeth, loosened teeth, damage to dental restorations like crowns and fillings, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and chronic facial pain. The cumulative damage can result in thousands of dollars in dental repairs that could have been prevented with early intervention.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
There’s no single cause of bruxism, but several factors increase your risk. Stress and anxiety are among the most common triggers — many people notice their grinding worsens during particularly demanding periods at work or during personal difficulties. Certain personality types, particularly those prone to competitiveness or hyperactivity, seem more susceptible.
Other contributing factors include sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, which has a strong association with sleep bruxism. Certain medications, particularly some antidepressants and stimulants, can trigger grinding as a side effect. Alcohol and caffeine consumption, especially in the evening, can increase the frequency and intensity of nighttime grinding. Misaligned teeth or an abnormal bite may also play a role, though this is less well-established than previously thought.
Night Guards: Your First Line of Defence
For most people with sleep bruxism, a night guard is the primary treatment. A night guard, also called an occlusal splint or bite guard, is a custom-fitted appliance worn over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It doesn’t stop the grinding itself, but it creates a protective barrier between your teeth, absorbing the grinding forces and preventing damage.
There are several types of night guards available. Custom-fitted guards from your dentist are made from impressions of your teeth and offer the best fit, comfort, and protection. They’re made from durable materials and typically last three to five years with proper care. Boil-and-bite guards from pharmacies offer a semi-custom fit at a lower cost, but they’re bulkier, less comfortable, and wear out faster. Stock mouthguards are the cheapest option but fit poorly and can actually make grinding worse or create jaw problems.
What to Expect From Your Dentist
If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth, your dentist can confirm the diagnosis by examining your teeth for wear patterns, checking your jaw muscles for tenderness, and reviewing your symptoms. They may also take X-rays to check for damage below the gum line.
For a custom night guard, your dentist will take detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth, which are sent to a dental lab where the guard is fabricated. You’ll return for a fitting appointment where the dentist adjusts the guard for optimal comfort and bite alignment. Most patients adapt to wearing a night guard within a week or two.
The cost of a custom night guard in Canada typically ranges from $300 to $600, depending on the type and your location. Many dental insurance plans cover night guards partially or fully, so check your benefits before your appointment. While the upfront cost may seem significant, it’s a fraction of what you’d spend repairing the damage from years of unprotected grinding.
Beyond the Night Guard: Additional Strategies
While a night guard protects your teeth, addressing the underlying causes of bruxism can reduce the grinding itself. Stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity have been shown to reduce grinding frequency. Cognitive behavioural therapy can be particularly effective for people whose bruxism is strongly linked to anxiety or stress.
Simple lifestyle changes can also help. Reduce or eliminate caffeine and alcohol consumption, especially after mid-afternoon. Avoid chewing gum, as it trains your jaw muscles to clench and can worsen bruxism. Practice keeping your lips together but teeth apart during the day — this relaxed jaw position can help retrain your muscles. Apply a warm washcloth to your jaw before bed to relax the muscles.
If your grinding is related to a sleep disorder, treating the underlying condition often improves the bruxism. Talk to your doctor about a sleep study if you also snore heavily, feel tired despite getting enough sleep, or your partner has noticed you stop breathing during the night.
Bruxism in Children
Teeth grinding is common in children, particularly during the ages when baby teeth are emerging and again when permanent teeth come in. Most children outgrow bruxism naturally, and treatment is usually unnecessary unless the grinding is causing pain, significant tooth wear, or sleep disruption.
If your child grinds their teeth, mention it at their next dental appointment. Your dentist can monitor for any damage and recommend intervention if needed. In the meantime, a calming bedtime routine and addressing any sources of anxiety can help reduce nighttime grinding in children.
When to Seek Help
Don’t wait for visible tooth damage to address bruxism. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, schedule an appointment with your dentist sooner rather than later. Early intervention with a night guard is simple, non-invasive, and can prevent thousands of dollars in future dental work.
Looking for a dentist who can help with teeth grinding? Search Smile Directory to find dental professionals across Canada who can evaluate your symptoms and fit you for a custom night guard.