You probably don’t think about what your teeth do while you sleep. But Dr. Vernon Sheen does. Teeth grinding, dentists call it bruxism, is one of those conditions that rarely announces itself. Most people have no idea they’re doing it. They wake up with a sore jaw or a dull headache and just assume they slept funny.
But your teeth? They keep score. And they have plenty to say. Here are five signs that you might be grinding without knowing it.
1. Flat, Worn, or Chipped Teeth
Take a close look at your front teeth. Do they look shorter than they used to? Are the edges flat and even, almost like they’ve been filed down? That’s not normal wear and tear.
Grinding grinds teeth down over time. What starts as a small flat spot can turn into a shortened, uneven smile. In serious cases, teeth can chip or fracture. Dr. Sheen sees this often in patients who swear they don’t grind until they see the evidence in photos.
2. Jaw Pain or Tightness in the Morning
Do you wake up with a sore jaw? Does it feel tight or tired, like you spent the night chewing gum? That’s a classic bruxism symptom.
The muscles you use to chew are some of the strongest in your body. When you grind at night, those muscles are working hard, sometimes harder than when you’re eating. Morning soreness is their way of telling you something’s wrong.
3. Frequent Headaches
Not all headaches come from stress or screen time. Many start in the jaw.
When your jaw muscles overwork from grinding, the pain can radiate upward into your temples and behind your eyes. If you wake up with headaches or notice them getting worse toward the end of the day, your teeth might be the hidden cause.
4. Loose Teeth or Receding Gums
This one surprises people. How can grinding make teeth feel loose?
Constant pressure from grinding can strain the ligaments that hold teeth in place. Over time, teeth can shift or feel wobbly. Grinding also puts extra force on your gums, which can speed up recession. If your teeth feel different than they used to, don’t brush it off.
5. Clicking or Popping in Your Jaw
Does your jaw click when you open wide? Pop when you chew? That sound comes from the temporomandibular joint, your TMJ.
Grinding puts repeated stress on this joint. Over time, the disc inside can slip out of place, creating noise and eventually pain. Dr. Sheen has extensive experience treating TMJ disorders, and bruxism is often a big part of the puzzle.
So Now What?
If any of this sounds familiar, the good news is that help is simple.
Dr. Sheen will start with a thorough exam to check for wear patterns, joint issues, and muscle tenderness. Most patients get relief from a custom nightguard, a comfortable appliance worn while sleeping that protects teeth and relaxes jaw muscles.
For more serious cases, treatment might include bite adjustments, restorative work to fix damaged teeth, or TMJ therapy. But the first step is always the same: finding out what’s really happening.
Don’t Wait Until It Hurts More
Grinding doesn’t get better on its own. It gets worse. Small chips become big fractures. Morning soreness becomes daily pain. And teeth that wear down can’t grow back.
If you’re waking up tired, sore, or headachy, call Dr. Sheen’s office at (443) 482-5202 or request a consultation online. A simple appointment could save your smile and help you finally get a good night’s sleep.