Have you ever gone to sleep and awakened with jaw pain you simply can't explain? Does your partner tell you that you grind your teeth at night? Are your teeth hurting and chipping for no apparent reason? Well — let's talk about this for a minute. Night-time grinding is far more prevalent than most people realize, and both adults and children are affected.
Most of my patients ask me what causes this. My answer is almost always the same: an overactive brain that hasn't learned how to rest. Between every electronic device we carry, the stress of daily life, an overactive imagination, and endless stimuli — we are simply overthinking while we sleep. The brain never fully powers down, and the jaw is one of the first places it shows up.
For children, the best treatment begins with reducing stimuli well before bedtime. I recommend turning off electronic devices and televisions at least one to two hours before sleep. A calming routine goes a long way — a warm bath, herbal tea, a quiet book, anything that helps a busy mind begin to settle. The same principle applies to adults. Calming rituals and digital boundaries genuinely help.
However, if lifestyle changes aren't enough — particularly if the grinding has begun to wear down the tips of your teeth, or if you have existing dental work like crowns and bridges that we want to protect — an occlusal guard (night guard) may be exactly what you need. We can fabricate one custom-fitted to your bite here in the office.
Night grinding affects far more than your teeth. Left untreated, it can wear down enamel, damage restorations, lead to jaw joint problems, and cause chronic morning headaches. The good news is that with the right combination of behavioral changes and a well-made guard, you can successfully protect your smile while you sleep.
Wake up refreshed — and put some love on your teeth in the morning. Your smile will thank you. — Dr. Sharifa Walker