3 Signs You're Grinding Your Teeth During Sleep

Most people who grind their teeth don’t necessarily realize they’re doing it. You’re not sitting there thinking that it would feel great to clench your jaw and gnash your teeth together right now. Instead, teeth grinding usually happens subconsciously.

For some people, teeth grinding is so under-the-radar that they’re not even awake when they do it. If you grind your teeth at night, it could lead to issues, such as harming your teeth. 

As part of our preventative dentistry services, Nisha Modi, DMD, can help you avoid the unwelcome complications that come with unchecked teeth grinding. If you suspect you’re clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth overnight, visit our team at Miracle Smile Dental in Aubrey, Texas. 

Signs you might be grinding overnight

Sometimes, the teeth grinding is loud enough that a bed partner hears it. Other than that, you need to check in the morning for indicators that something went on overnight. Top signs of teeth grinding include:

#1: Pain in the morning

You might wake up with a headache or facial pain after a night of grinding. The muscles on the sides of your face may be tired, and you may feel like you have an earache. The problem isn’t actually with your ear, though. It’s pain from the strain of clenching and grinding through the night.  

#2: Changes in your teeth

Grinding typically affects your back teeth, which makes it difficult to detect changes. Still, open wide and take a look in the mirror. Sometimes, you can spot teeth that look flattened. 

You may be able to feel the dental changes from grinding. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, it could be a sign that your overnight activities are wearing down your enamel. 

#3: Jaw issues

When you grind overnight, the muscles in your jaw may feel sore or tight the next day. You may notice that your jaw pops or clicks at times. Some people experience jaw pain while eating. 

What to do if you think you are grinding

If any of that sounds familiar, visit Dr. Modi. Overnight teeth grinding isn’t something to ignore. If you let it continue, it can cause a range of problems, including:

• Cracked or otherwise damaged teeth
• Loose teeth
• Persistent headaches and facial pain
• Problems with the joints of your jaw, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
• Sleep issues

Dr. Modi can examine your teeth to see if they show signs of grinding. If they do, she works with you to put a plan in place to stop your overnight jaw activity. 

For most people, resolving the grinding means combining stress-relief lifestyle changes and wearing a nightguard. That’s a mouthguard you wear while you sleep to protect your teeth and the joints of your jaw. 

Don’t let overnight teeth grinding affect your oral health or your overall quality of life. If you think you might be grinding while you sleep, visit Dr. Modi. Use our convenient online tool or call us at 469-765-3567 to make an appointment today.