Understanding Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Under normal circumstances, your teeth should only contact for about 5 minutes each day. Normal chewing results in brief intervals of contact between enamel surfaces — the hardest substance in the human body. But these durable surfaces should wear at nearly undetectable rates under normal use.

Sometimes teeth develop a flattened, worn appearance, even in young patients. X-rays may demonstrate unusually thin layers of enamel as if sandpaper has been drawn across the chewing surfaces. A few minutes of chewing daily simply shouldn't erode the enamel so dramatically.

You Don't Even Know You're Doing It

Some patients develop a subconscious habit of grinding their teeth, either during the day or night. In many cases, the abrasive action occurs only during sleep, and for only a few seconds at a time.

If you wake up with a sore jaw or a morning headache, chances run high you're grinding your teeth during the night. In some patients, enlarged jaw muscles develop on the sides of the face from the extra activity.

⚠️ Warning Signs You're Grinding Your Teeth

  • Morning jaw soreness or pain
  • Frequent headaches, especially upon waking
  • Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
  • Increased tooth sensitivity
  • Jaw clicking or popping
  • Enlarged jaw muscles (square jawline)
  • Indentations on your tongue
  • Earache-like pain (without ear infection)
  • Disrupted sleep or partner's sleep

The Damage Teeth Grinding Causes

The unusual activity not only wears down teeth and strains the overworked muscles — the compressive forces can also damage the intricate jaw joints on one or both sides. Once these changes settle in, reversing them may become impossible.

Damage to Teeth

  • Worn enamel exposing dentin
  • Flattened chewing surfaces
  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Fractured fillings or crowns
  • Increased sensitivity
  • Loosening of teeth

Damage to Jaw (TMJ)

  • TMJ disorders
  • Arthritis in jaw joints
  • Limited jaw opening
  • Chronic jaw pain
  • Clicking or locking jaw
  • Permanent joint damage

Custom Nightguard Treatment

Often a carefully calibrated nightguard with a distinct bite relationship built in will eliminate the symptoms while protecting your precious enamel. The sooner grinding receives attention, the less damage there will be.

Custom vs. Store-Bought Guards

✅ Custom Nightguard — Dr. Kezele

  • Made from impressions — perfect fit
  • Precise bite calibration
  • Durable hard acrylic
  • Comfortable all night
  • Effectively reduces grinding
  • Lasts 3-5 years

❌ Store-Bought Guards

  • One-size-fits-all
  • Poor fit — uncomfortable
  • Soft material wears fast
  • Often abandoned quickly
  • Minimal real protection
  • Short lifespan

The Nightguard Process — Simple & Quick

  • Consultation: Dr. Kezele examines your teeth, jaw, and bite for signs of grinding damage
  • Impressions: Precise molds taken of your teeth for a custom fit
  • Fabrication: Your custom nightguard is created in a dental lab (1-2 weeks)
  • Fitting: Dr. Kezele ensures proper fit and bite relationship
  • Follow-Up: Adjustments made if needed for optimal comfort and protection

Treating Daytime Grinding

Daytime habits of clenching or grinding also deserve attention. Strategies to reduce the problem include:

  • Awareness: Notice when you clench and consciously relax your jaw
  • Stress Reduction: Address underlying stress and anxiety
  • Posture Correction: Improve neck and shoulder alignment
  • Habit-Breaking Techniques: Tongue-to-roof-of-mouth position keeps teeth apart
  • Bite Analysis: Correct any dental issues contributing to grinding

💰 Don't Wait Until It's Too Late!

A custom nightguard is a small investment that prevents:

  • Thousands of dollars in restorative dental work
  • Permanent jaw joint damage
  • Chronic pain and headaches
  • Tooth loss
  • Years of discomfort

Comprehensive Bite Analysis

Dr. Kezele will also analyze the current relationship between your teeth to make sure they're moving against each other optimally when you chew. Sometimes bite problems contribute to grinding — if teeth don't fit together properly, your jaw muscles may work harder to find a comfortable position, leading to clenching and grinding. Dr. Kezele can identify and correct these bite issues.

Caring for Your Nightguard

  • Rinse with cool water after each use
  • Brush with a soft toothbrush and mild soap (not toothpaste)
  • Store in the protective case when not in use
  • Keep away from heat (don't leave in a hot car)
  • Bring to dental appointments for inspection
  • Replace every 3-5 years or when worn through