Do You Grind Your Teeth at Night? Signs of Bruxism and How Saryan Dental Can Help

If you regularly wake up with a sore jaw, dull headaches, or teeth that feel unusually sensitive, you may be grinding your teeth at night — a condition dentists call bruxism. It's far more common than most people realize, and because it often happens during sleep, many patients are surprised when their dentist is the one to spot it first.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the habitual clenching or grinding of teeth, either during sleep (sleep bruxism) or while awake (awake bruxism). Over time, the repetitive motion puts significant pressure on teeth, jaw muscles, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to a range of problems that can be costly to address if left untreated.

Common Signs You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth

Since most grinding happens at night, you may not catch yourself in the act. Instead, watch for these common signs: waking up with a sore or tired jaw, frequent morning headaches especially around the temples, worn or flattened tooth surfaces, increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, and a partner noticing a grinding or clicking sound while you sleep. Your dentist can also identify early signs of bruxism during a routine exam by looking for unusual wear patterns on the biting surfaces of your teeth.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

There is no single cause of bruxism — it tends to result from a combination of factors. Stress and anxiety are among the most common triggers. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea are also closely linked to nighttime grinding. Other contributing factors include misaligned teeth (malocclusion) and certain medications. In children, bruxism is fairly common and often resolves on its own with age.

How Bruxism Can Damage Your Teeth Over Time

If left unaddressed, bruxism can cause significant damage. Tooth enamel — the hard outer layer — does not regenerate once it is worn away, leaving teeth more sensitive, more prone to cavities, and more vulnerable to cracking or fracturing. Chronic grinding also places strain on the jaw joint, which can contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, persistent facial pain, and difficulty chewing.

Treatment Options at Saryan Dental in Glendale

The good news is that bruxism is very treatable. At Saryan Dental, Dr. Chris Saryan and Dr. David Saryan — both graduates of USC School of Dentistry — will carefully evaluate your teeth and jaw, review your symptoms, and recommend the most appropriate approach. For many patients, a custom-fitted night guard is the most effective first step. Unlike over-the-counter options, a professionally made night guard is precisely fitted to your bite, making it far more comfortable and durable. It acts as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth during sleep, absorbing pressure that would otherwise cause wear and damage.

If underlying factors such as tooth misalignment are contributing to the problem, your care team at Saryan Dental will discuss additional treatment options tailored to your situation.

Ready to Protect Your Smile?

If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth — or if it has simply been a while since your last checkup — we would love to see you. Call Saryan Dental in Glendale at (818) 543-0707 or book your appointment online at saryandental.com/book-online. Our office is located at 457 W. Colorado St., Suite 201, Glendale, CA 91204, and we proudly serve patients from Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and the greater Los Angeles area.