Am I At Risk Of Bruxism (Tooth Grinding)?

Are You Grinding Your Teeth Without Realizing It? If you ever wake up with a sore jaw, dull headache, or notice your teeth feeling unusually sensitive, you might be dealing with bruxism, a habit you don’t even know you have. Bruxism happens when you unconsciously grind, clench, or gnash your teeth, either while awake (daytime bruxism) or during sleep (sleep bruxism). The nighttime version is sneakier, often going unnoticed until the damage begins to show. While an occasional clench isn’t a big deal, constant grinding can wear down tooth enamel, cause jaw pain, tension headaches, and even disturb your sleep. The tricky part? It’s not always about your teeth; things like stress, anxiety, misaligned bites, or lifestyle habits like too much caffeine or alcohol can all trigger it. Think of bruxism as your body’s way of saying, “I’m tense!”, especially when stress builds up. The good news? Once you identify it, you can manage it. From relaxation techniques and mouthguards to reducing stimulants before bed, small changes can make a big difference. If your mornings start with jaw tension or tired teeth, don’t ignore the sign; your smile (and sleep) might be asking for a little extra care.