You might not even realize you’re clenching your jaw during the day or grinding your teeth while you sleep. It’s easy to brush off, especially if it doesn’t seem to be causing pain right now. But chronic teeth grinding (also called bruxism) is more than just a harmless habit. Left untreated, it can do serious damage to your teeth, jaw, and overall health.

Let’s break down what causes it, why it matters, and how Dr. Martin can help you protect your smile.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Bruxism can stem from a variety of physical and emotional factors. The most common causes include:

Stress and Anxiety: One of the biggest triggers, especially for nighttime grinding.
Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea can cause your jaw to clench or grind.
Bite Misalignment: When your teeth don’t fit together properly, your jaw works harder to compensate.
Certain Medications: Stimulants and antidepressants have been linked to increased tooth grinding or jaw clenching.

Many people grind their teeth involuntarily while they sleep, which means the damage can go unnoticed for months until it becomes a painful problem or damages their teeth severely.

Signs You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth

If you’re unsure whether bruxism is affecting you, here are some of the most common signs:

Morning headaches or sore jaw muscles
Teeth that feel sensitive or loose
Chipped, flattened, or worn-down teeth
Clicking or popping in the jaw joint
Disturbed sleep or waking up feeling tense

If any of these sound familiar, it’s probably time to visit a dentist near you who works with TMJ and offers solutions for tooth grinding, such as Dr. Martin.

Why Teeth Grinding Needs Treatment

Do you think bruxism isn’t a big deal? Here’s what can happen if it goes untreated:

Tooth Damage: Constant grinding wears down enamel, increases sensitivity, and leads to cracks or fractures.
TMJ Dysfunction: Overuse of the jaw joint can trigger pain, stiffness, and even lockjaw.
Sleep Disruption: Grinding not only affects you, but can also keep your sleep partner awake.
Expensive Dental Work: Untreated bruxism often leads to the need for crowns, root canals, or even dental implants later on.

The good news? It’s highly treatable.

Treatment Options for Teeth Grinding

Dr. Martin offers several effective solutions to protect your teeth and ease the strain on your jaw.

Custom Night Guards

These are clear, comfortable trays worn while you sleep to prevent damage from grinding. Unlike store-bought guards, Dr. Martin’s are custom-made to fit your bite perfectly—and you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them.

Orthodontic Solutions

If your teeth are misaligned, Invisalign or other orthodontic treatments can improve your bite and reduce the pressure on your jaw that leads to grinding.

Stress Management Support

Because bruxism is often linked to tension, Dr. Martin may recommend incorporating stress-reducing habits like mindfulness, jaw exercises, or even simply being aware of when you clench.

In some cases, Botox can be used to reduce overactive jaw muscles if other treatments aren’t enough. Ask if it’s right for your situation.

Treat Bruxism Quickly!

Bruxism might seem like a minor issue, but it rarely stays that way. The earlier you catch it, the easier it is to treat and prevent lasting damage. Whether you’re waking up with jaw soreness or noticing unusual wear on your teeth, treating it quickly helps mitigate damage.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Martin Today

Protecting your teeth doesn’t have to be complicated. At James Martin, DMD in Lafayette, CO, we offer modern, personalized care to help you stop grinding and start smiling again.

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