
Have you ever woken up with a sore jaw or noticed that your teeth feel unusually sensitive?
If you have ever woken up with a sore jaw or noticed that your teeth feel unusually sensitive … you’re not alone. Many people grind or clench their teeth, often without even realizing it. At GPS Dental, we’ve seen how bruxism can significantly impact your oral health—and overall well‑being. This blog dives into what causes bruxism, how it affects your teeth, and most importantly, what GPS Dental can do to help.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism refers to involuntary teeth grinding or jaw clenching. It can happen:
- During sleep (nocturnal bruxism): Often associated with stress or medical conditions.
- During the day (awake bruxism): Typically tied to tension, concentration, or habits like chewing pens.
Both forms can damage your teeth and jaw over time, making early detection and treatment essential.
Who Is at Risk?
Bruxism isn’t limited to any one age group. Common risk factors include:
- Stress and anxiety: When your brain is under pressure, your jaw might tighten unconsciously.
- Sleep disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea (which we addressed in a recent blog) can increase episodic grinding.
- Medications: Certain antidepressants or stimulants may increase muscle tension.
- Misaligned bite or missing teeth: These can cause an imbalanced jaw position.
- Habitual behaviors: Nail biting, gum chewing, or even leaning on a hand can set off clenching.
- Lifestyle choices: Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can exacerbate grinding habits.
Even kids can grind their teeth, especially during growth spurts or times of stress.
Why Bruxism Matters
It might seem harmless—after all, how bad can grinding be? The reality is that chronic bruxism can lead to:
- Worn tooth enamel
You might be grinding your teeth down faster than they repair themselves—leading to sensitivity or uneven bite. - Cracked or chipped teeth
Excessive pressure can fracture weakened enamel or old fillings. - TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders
Symptoms include jaw pain, limited opening, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, and earaches. - Chronic headaches and neck pain
The muscles involved in grinding can cause tension headaches and muscle stiffness. - Tooth mobility or loss
In extreme cases, grinding can damage the bone that secures teeth in place. - Sleep disturbances
Both yours and your partner’s! Grinding makes noise and disrupts restful sleep.
Signs You Might Be Grinding
Watch for these common clues:
- Persistent jaw fatigue or soreness
- Morning headaches or migraines
- Tooth sensitivity or wearing
- Loose or broken teeth/restorations
- Tinnitus or ear pain
- Grinding noise noted by partner
At GPS Dental, we check for wear patterns, muscle tenderness, and jaw alignment during your exam. Early detection helps us prevent further damage.
Diagnosis: What Happens at Your Dental Visit
When you come in, we’ll:
- Ask about your symptoms: Jaw pain, morning headaches, grinding noises?
- Inspect your teeth: Look for wear surfaces, chips, or cracks.
- Examine your jaw: Check for tenderness, range of motion, and joint noises.
- Review your occlusion: Do your upper and lower teeth fit together properly?
- Use X-rays or scans: Look for changes in your bone or around teeth.
This thorough assessment helps us tailor a treatment plan that aligns with your specific needs.
Treatment Options at GPS Dental
We offer a range of treatments aimed at reducing grinding, protecting teeth, and alleviating associated symptoms—all personalized for your comfort and lifestyle:
🛡️ 1. Custom Nightguards
These are made from impressions of your teeth for a perfect fit. Wearing a nightguard:
- Cushions the forces of grinding
- Prevents wear to enamel and restorations
- Reduces muscle strain and jaw pain
Unlike over‑the‑counter options, our custom guards are more comfortable, effective, and long‑lasting.
🧘 2. Stress Management Strategies
Because stress is a major trigger, we often recommend:
- Relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation)
- Targeted stretches for the jaw muscles
- Daily exercises to increase awareness and reduce tension
Small lifestyle adjustments—like limiting caffeine and taking mindfulness breaks—can make a big difference.
🦷 3. Bite Realignment (Occlusal Adjustment)
If misaligned teeth or bite contribute to clenching, we may need to gently reshape certain cusps or adjust edges. This helps your bite sit more comfortably and reduces pressure on the jaw.
🧪 4. Dental Work or Orthodontics
Sometimes, cracked teeth or worn down enamel require crowns, onlays, or new restorations. In other cases, orthodontic treatment (like SureSmile aligners) can correct alignment issues and reduce grinding.
Daily Habits to Fight Bruxism
Home care is a vital part of your treatment. Here’s what you can do daily:
- Check your jaw, relax it by keeping lips together and teeth apart
- Do jaw stretches outlined by our team
- Avoid chewing “extras” like pen caps or gum
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol—especially after dinner
- Establish better sleep routines to reduce nighttime muscle tension
- Stay hydrated to maintain muscle function
Following these suggestions supports your treatment and helps prevent future episodes.
Long-Term Benefits of Treating Bruxism
Investing in treatment now means:
- Stronger, healthier teeth
- Easier jaw movement
- Fewer dental emergencies
- Improved sleep quality
- Relief from ongoing headaches or muscle pain
- Better overall well‑being
We often hear, “I can’t believe how much better I feel!”—and that’s why it’s worth taking action early.
Why Choose GPS Dental?
At GPS Dental, we take a comprehensive, patient‑centered approach:
✔️ Fully trained in TMJ and muscle disorders
✔️ Custom-fit nightguards made on-site
✔️ Integrated treatment plans (stress, alignment, restoration)
✔️ Coordinated care, including dental and medical referrals if necessary
✔️ Comfortable, stress‑free environment to discuss sensitive issues
We don’t just mask symptoms—we help you tackle them at the source.
Taking the First Step: What to Do Next
If any signs above resonate with you—jaw pain, headaches, broken teeth, tooth sensitivity, grinding sounds—don’t wait.
- Schedule an evaluation at GPS Dental
- Discuss your symptoms openly so we can tailor a plan
- Commit to your treatment (nightguard, adjustments, exercises)
- Maintain follow-up so we can check progress and make adjustments as needed
Restoring your comfort and preserving your smile is our goal.
Final Thoughts
Bruxism might seem harmless at first, but untreated, it can seriously impact your dental health and quality of life. The good news? With professional care and consistent self‑care, you can protect your teeth, relieve tension, and wake up feeling refreshed—not sore.
At GPS Dental, we’re here to support you every step of the way. From diagnosis to ongoing care, we want to see you smile and sleep well!
📞 Call us today at 210-633-3477 to schedule your bruxism evaluation—and take the first step toward a healthier, happier mouth.
Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek is a dental implant dentist and his experienced, friendly team at GPS Dental offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at (210) 633-3477 to make an appointment.