Grinding, Clenching, and Waking Up Tired? It Might Be Bruxism

By Dr. Dean Carlston

1. Let’s Talk About That Morning Jaw Ache

If you’re waking up with jaw pain, headaches, or sensitive teeth—or your partner says you’re grinding your teeth at night—you may be dealing with a condition called bruxism. It’s more common than most people think, and often goes undiagnosed for years. But left untreated, bruxism can wear down your teeth, strain your jaw, and even fracture dental work.

2. What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of your teeth, usually during sleep. There are two main types:
- **Sleep bruxism**: You grind or clench your teeth while you’re asleep, often without realizing it.
- **Awake bruxism**: You unconsciously clench your jaw during the day, usually during times of stress or concentration.

Symptoms include worn-down teeth, cracked fillings, jaw fatigue, neck tension, earaches, and morning headaches. Over time, it can even affect your bite and lead to TMJ dysfunction.

3. What Causes Bruxism?

There’s no single cause, but it’s often linked to:
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnea
- Misaligned teeth or bite (malocclusion)
- Certain medications
- Caffeine or alcohol use before bed
Whatever the cause, it’s important to get ahead of it early.

4. Why Bruxism Is More Than Just an Annoying Habit

Bruxism isn’t just about noise or tension. It can:
- Flatten or fracture your natural teeth
- Damage crowns, veneers, or bridges
- Cause chronic facial pain
- Lead to receding gums and loose teeth
- Interfere with sleep and overall health
I’ve seen patients with teeth worn down like bottle caps—because they didn’t realize their jaw was working overtime every night.

5. How I Diagnose Bruxism

At our office, we don’t just look—we listen. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have visible wear, I’ll perform a full bite analysis, check your TMJ, look for muscle tenderness, and use digital tools to evaluate your alignment. Sometimes we’ll ask a few extra questions about your sleep, stress, or daytime habits.  I have a digital scanner in myh office that hsows how the teeth are aligned (I’Tero)

6. Custom Night Guards: Your Best Defense

If you’re grinding at night, a custom-made night guard is often the simplest, most effective solution. These aren’t the bulky guards you buy at a drugstore. Our night guards are custom-fitted to your bite using high-quality materials, so they’re comfortable, durable, and effective.

We also make **sports mouthguards**—for both kids and adults—to protect teeth during physical activities. You’d be surprised how many dental emergencies could be avoided with a well-fitted guard. You can never be too careful, especially with growing smiles or expensive dental work to protect.

7. What Happens If You Ignore It?

Ignoring bruxism won’t make it go away. In fact, the damage is usually progressive. Small chips become larger fractures. Jaw discomfort becomes chronic pain. And before long, the cost of repair is far greater than the cost of prevention.

If your mouth is trying to tell you something, listen. Pain, wear, or muscle tension is your body's way of raising a red flag.

8. My Final Thoughts

A healthy smile isn’t just about clean teeth—it’s about how your whole system works together. If your jaw is overworked at night or clenched throughout the day, your smile could be paying the price.

I’m here to help you protect what you’ve got—and build what you need. Whether it’s a simple night guard or a comprehensive bite analysis, you’ll always get honest guidance and personalized care.

We treat people, not just teeth. And that includes everything your mouth is trying to say—even while you sleep.