5 Quiet Signs You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth
Bruxism rarely wakes the person doing it. Look for these five clues before your enamel does.
About one in three adults grinds their teeth at night, and almost none of them know it. Here are the five clues we look for during your six-month cleaning.
1. Morning jaw soreness
A tender, tired feeling in your jaw when you first wake up is the most reliable sign that you've been clenching or grinding overnight.
2. Flattened or chipped front teeth
Look at your upper and lower front teeth in a mirror. If the edges look worn to a flat, matching line, that's bruxism wearing them down.
3. Sensitivity to cold air
Grinding thins enamel and exposes dentin, which is very sensitive to temperature changes.
4. Headaches at your temples
The muscles that clench your jaw connect to your temples. Chronic tension there is often bruxism, not sinus issues.
5. Your partner has heard grinding sounds
If someone has told you they hear you grind, believe them. Most patients need to hear it from another person before they take it seriously.
The fix is simple
A custom night guard costs a fraction of the crowns and veneers required to repair worn teeth later. If any of the above sounds familiar, ask about a night guard at your next visit.
Have a question about this?
We're happy to answer questions in the chair — or by phone. No pressure, ever.
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