Medically Reviewed by Esteem Dental And Orthodontic Team on July 3, 2025
The sound of teeth grinding in the night can be concerning for any parent or partner. This unconscious habit, known medically as bruxism, affects millions of people and leads to serious dental issues when left untreated. If you’ve noticed worn tooth surfaces, increased tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, or headaches in yourself or family members, nighttime grinding may be the culprit, silently damaging your smile while you sleep.
At Esteem Dental, we see the effects of nighttime grinding in patients of all ages across our Lake Nona and Winter Garden offices. Our team, led by Dr. Jordan Jones, provides personalized solutions to protect your family’s oral health from the damaging effects of bruxism, whether it affects you, your partner, or your children.
What Causes Nighttime Grinding?
Understanding the root causes of teeth grinding helps us develop effective treatment plans for our patients. Bruxism typically stems from one or more of these common factors:
Stress and Anxiety
The pressures of daily life often manifest physically during sleep. Your subconscious mind may process stress through jaw clenching and teeth grinding when you’re not consciously aware of it.
Misaligned Teeth
When your bite doesn’t align properly, your jaw may unconsciously try to find a comfortable position during sleep, resulting in grinding movements.
Sleep Disorders
Conditions like sleep apnea and snoring can trigger grinding episodes as your body attempts to maintain open airways during sleep.
Age-Related Factors
Children frequently experience bruxism during developmental stages, particularly when their permanent teeth are coming in or when they are experiencing growth in the jaw and facial structures.
Signs Your Family Member May Be Grinding
Early detection of bruxism allows for prompt intervention before significant damage occurs. Look for these warning signs in yourself and your loved ones:
- Morning headaches or facial pain
- Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
- Extreme tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Tight or sore jaw muscles upon waking
- Your partner reports grinding sounds during the night
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Indentations on the tongue or cheek tissue
If you notice any of these, please contact Esteem Dental to discuss a personalized treatment plan.
Protecting Smiles from Nighttime Grinding
Addressing bruxism requires a multi-faceted approach tailored to the individual’s needs and the underlying causes. Our dental team may recommend:
Custom Nightguards
Unlike over-the-counter options, professionally designed nightguards provide precise protection based on your unique dental structure. These comfortable appliances create a cushioning barrier between upper and lower teeth, preventing enamel wear and reducing pressure on the jaw joint.
Stress Management Techniques
For patients whose grinding stems from anxiety or stress, we may suggest relaxation practices like meditation, gentle jaw exercises, or professional counseling to address the psychological component of bruxism.
Addressing Dental Issues
Correcting misaligned teeth through orthodontic treatment can eliminate the physical triggers for grinding in many patients. This might involve Invisalign or other orthodontic approaches, depending on your specific needs.
Sleep Assessment
If we suspect your grinding may be connected to sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, we may recommend a sleep study to identify and treat the underlying condition.
Children and Nighttime Grinding
Parents are often concerned when they hear their child grinding their teeth at night. While childhood bruxism is common and frequently resolves on its own, it should still be monitored by a dental professional. At Esteem Dental, our approach to pediatric grinding includes:
- Gentle examination to assess any damage
- Age-appropriate protective measures if needed
- Monitoring developmental changes that may resolve the grinding naturally
- Creating a relaxing bedtime routine to reduce stress-related grinding
Without proper intervention, nighttime grinding can lead to significant oral health complications:
- Severe tooth wear requiring restorative procedures
- Cracked or fractured teeth that may need extraction
- Development of TMJ disorders causing chronic pain
- Receding gums and increased risk of tooth sensitivity
- Altered facial appearance due to changes in jaw muscles
We take pride in creating a comfortable and welcoming environment where patients of all ages get the highest quality care. Our multi-specialty practice allows us to address all aspects of bruxism treatment under one roof, from custom nightguard fabrication to orthodontic correction and pediatric care.
Taking the First Step Toward Protection
If you suspect that you or a family member may be grinding at night, scheduling a comprehensive dental examination is the crucial first step. Our experienced team at Esteem Dental will evaluate the signs of bruxism, discuss your symptoms, and develop a treatment plan to protect your smile.
Contact Esteem Dental today to protect your family’s smiles from the effects of nighttime grinding. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms yourself or concerned about a loved one’s grinding habits, our team is ready to help with personalized solutions in both our Lake Nona and Winter Garden locations. Schedule your appointment through our embedded contact form or call us at (407) 476-5650.
Dr. Jordan Jones, DDS
Dr. Jordan Jones leads the experienced team at Esteem Dental, providing comprehensive family dental care to the Winter Garden and Lake Nona communities. With a focus on general dentistry, pediatric care, and orthodontics, Dr. Jones combines advanced techniques with a compassionate approach to ensure every patient receives personalized, quality treatment in a comfortable environment.
✓ Medically Reviewed
