Managing Bruxism: Night Guards, Stress Reduction & Treatment Options

Many people grind or clench their teeth without even realising it. Sometimes it happens during stressful moments throughout the day, but most often it happens at night while you’re asleep. This makes bruxism hard to detect, and even harder to stop, until the symptoms start to show. 

If you often wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, sensitive teeth, or feel like your bite is “tight,” you may be grinding. At Hawkesbury Family Dental, we help patients manage bruxism every day, and the good news is that with the right support, you can protect your teeth and reduce discomfort. 

This guide explains what bruxism is, how it affects your smile, and the practical steps you can take to manage it. 

Bruxism is a condition where you grind, clench, or gnash your teeth. It can happen while you’re awake or while you’re sleeping. Sleep bruxism is generally harder to control because you have no awareness of what your jaw is doing. 

Bruxism can affect both adults and children. While occasional grinding may not cause long-term damage, ongoing grinding can wear down teeth, strain the jaw, and lead to broader health concerns. 

Many people don’t realise they grind until their dentist tells them about the damage it has already caused to their teeth. Here are some common signs to look out for: 

• Waking up with jaw soreness or tension 
• Teeth that feel sensitive or “tired” 
• Frequent headaches (especially in the temples) 
• Clicking or popping in the jaw 
• Flattened or worn-down teeth 
• Chipped enamel or unexplained tooth damage 
• Earaches or pressure around the ears 
• Partners hearing grinding sounds at night 

If you relate to a few of these, it’s worth discussing it with your dentist. Bruxism is very manageable once identified. 

There isn’t one single cause, bruxism is usually influenced by a mix of lifestyle, physical, and emotional factors. Common contributors include:

One of the biggest triggers. When stress builds, many people unconsciously clench their jaw during the day or grind their teeth during sleep.

Grinding is more common in people who snore or who have disrupted sleep patterns.

If your teeth don’t align well, your jaw muscles may work harder to find a comfortable position, which can lead to grinding.

Both can overstimulate the nervous system and increase nighttime grinding.

Chewing on pens, biting nails, or clenching your jaw during focused work can contribute to bruxism. 

Understanding what may be contributing to your grinding helps us tailor your treatment more effectively. 

Grinding and clenching can cause more than just discomfort. Over time, bruxism can lead to: 

• Worn-down enamel 
• Cracked or chipped teeth 
• Increased sensitivity 
• Receding gums 
• Inflammation in the jaw joints 
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully 
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues 



These problems often develop slowly, which is why early identification and management are so important. 

A custom night guard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent tooth damage caused by nighttime grinding. Here’s how it helps: 

The guard sits between your upper and lower teeth so you’re not grinding them against each other. 

A night guard helps your jaw relax, which can reduce morning soreness and protect your jaw joints. 

By stopping direct tooth-to-tooth contact, you protect your enamel from further damage. 

Boil-and-bite guards from the chemist often don’t fit well and can be uncomfortable. A dentist-made guard is designed precisely for your bite and is far more durable. 

For many people, a night guard alone makes a big difference in reducing symptoms. 

Because stress is such a common trigger, managing tension during the day can significantly reduce grinding at night. Here are simple lifestyle habits that can help: 

Because stress is such a common trigger, managing tension during the day can significantly reduce grinding at night. Here are simple lifestyle habits that can help: 

Even small steps make a difference: 

• Light stretching 
• Avoiding screens before bed 
• Warm showers 
• Listening to calming music or breathing exercises 
  

Cut back on coffee, energy drinks, or strong tea later in the day, they can make nighttime teeth grinding more likely. 

It keeps the jaw muscles active and can make them more prone to clenching. 

Warm compresses can relax tight jaw muscles before bed. 

Small changes often help soften the intensity and frequency of grinding over time. 

Beyond lifestyle adjustments and night guards, your dentist may suggest additional treatments depending on your symptoms and dental health. 

If grinding has already caused chips, cracks, or enamel wear, we may recommend: 

• Dental bonding 
• Crowns 
• Smoothing rough edges



These treatments protect damaged teeth from further wear.

If your grinding is linked to a misaligned bite, orthodontic treatments may help your jaw rest more naturally. 

If jaw clicking, locking, or pain is present, your dentist will assess whether additional steps are needed to support the joint. 

Bruxism can change over time. Routine visits allow us to track wear patterns, adjust your night guard if needed, and address symptoms early. 

At Hawkesbury Family Dental, we understand how frustrating and uncomfortable teeth grinding can be. We’re here to help you identify what’s causing your bruxism and provide practical, personalised treatment options, whether that’s a night guard, lifestyle guidance, or restorative care. 

If you’re waking up with jaw pain, headaches, or feel like you might be grinding, contact our friendly team today. We’ll help protect your smile and make sure your teeth stay healthy and strong for years to come.