Waking up with a tense jaw. Pain in your temples without really knowing why. Feeling that your teeth are becoming sensitive or seem to be wearing down a little too quickly. These signs, often trivialized or misunderstood, can indicate a reflex that’s much more common than we think: clenching or grinding your teeth, sometimes without even realizing it.
This phenomenon is called bruxism. It can occur at night, while you’re asleep, or during the day, during moments of concentration or tension. Although subtle at first, it can eventually cause real discomfort and damage. Fortunately, simple and effective solutions exist to protect your teeth, relax your jaw, and regain comfort.
Bruxism is not a disease, but an unconscious reflex: the jaw muscles contract, causing your teeth to clench or grind, often repetitively. This tension, when it becomes regular, ends up affecting the mouth’s natural balance.
Several factors can cause it:
- Stress or anxiety.
- Sleep disturbances.
- An imbalance in the occlusion (teeth alignment).
- Certain postural or chewing habits.
Because it often occurs at night, bruxism easily goes unnoticed. It’s its side effects that, over time, become more noticeable: muscle fatigue, cracking in the jaw joint, worn or more sensitive teeth, etc.
The symptoms of bruxism can vary from person to person, but some recur frequently: a feeling of stiffness or fatigue upon waking, pain in the temples or neck, joint cracking when opening the mouth, or even teeth that appear to have changed shape or length. Tooth wear can also lead to hypersensitivity. Moreover, in some people, grinding is audible during sleep and may be noticed by a loved one.
These signs may seem minor at first, but if left untreated, they become more serious and worsen. Over time, bruxism can lead to chronic pain, significant wear of the enamel, and even dental fractures or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
There is no single solution, but several approaches can be combined depending on your needs. Wearing a nighttime splint is one of the most effective methods. This durable, custom-designed splint protects teeth and helps muscles relax during sleep.
In addition, relaxation exercises, posture advice, or even paying close attention to stress can also make a big difference. If dental imbalance is suspected, a more in-depth bite assessment may be recommended to adjust the way the teeth fit together, if necessary, through orthodontic treatment.
Living with jaw tension is not pleasant, and over time, it can affect several aspects of daily life. The good news is that there are concrete solutions to alleviate its effects and regain a better quality of life.*
This pain shouldn’t be a part of your daily life. Discussing it at your next dental appointment can be the starting point for positive change. At Carrefour Dentaire 440, in Laval, we welcome you with care and respect, to help you explore solutions adapted to your reality.
