Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is when you clench or grind your teeth — often during sleep — which can wear down enamel and cause jaw pain, headaches and cracked teeth. A custom night guard made by your dentist protects your teeth while you sleep. If you notice the signs, book an assessment at Sydney Smile Centre in Pagewood on 02 9349 2387.

Many people grind their teeth without realising it, sometimes for years, until a partner hears it at night or a dentist spots the wear. This guide covers the signs to watch for, why grinding matters, and how a custom night guard and other treatments can help protect your smile.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching the teeth. It can happen while you are awake — often linked to concentration or stress — or during sleep, where you have no conscious control over it. Sleep bruxism is the harder one to catch, because it usually goes unnoticed until it causes symptoms or visible damage. Over time the repeated force can wear teeth down, strain the jaw muscles and damage existing dental work.

Signs you might be grinding your teeth

Because grinding often happens during sleep, the clues are frequently indirect. Common signs include:

• Worn, flat or chipped teeth: edges that look shortened or flattened over time.
• Jaw pain or tightness: aching in the jaw muscles, especially in the morning.
• Headaches: dull morning headaches around the temples.
• Tooth sensitivity: as enamel wears, teeth can become more sensitive to hot and cold.
• Clicking or sore jaw joints: discomfort when opening wide or chewing.
• A partner hears grinding: the sound at night is a common first warning.
• Cheek or tongue marks: indentations from clenching against the teeth.

If several of these sound familiar, it is worth having your teeth checked so any wear or damage can be caught early.

What causes teeth grinding?

Bruxism usually has more than one contributing factor, and the exact cause is not always clear. Common contributors include:

• Stress and anxiety: one of the most frequently linked factors, particularly for clenching.
• Sleep factors: grinding is associated with disrupted sleep and conditions such as sleep apnoea.
• Bite issues: the way your teeth meet can play a role.
• Lifestyle factors: caffeine, alcohol, smoking and some medications are associated with grinding.

Because the causes vary, an assessment helps identify what may be driving your grinding so treatment can be tailored. In some cases we may suggest you also speak with your GP, for example if disturbed sleep points to something that needs a medical review.

Why grinding matters for your teeth

Left unmanaged, ongoing grinding can cause real damage. The constant force may wear through enamel, flatten and shorten teeth, and lead to chips or cracks that can expose the inner tooth. Cracked or heavily worn teeth sometimes need fillings, crowns or even root canal treatment. Grinding can also shorten the lifespan of existing dental work such as fillings, crowns and veneers. Protecting your teeth early is far simpler than restoring them after damage.

Treatment: night guards and beyond

The most common and effective way to protect teeth from night-time grinding is a custom night guard, also called an occlusal splint. Options and approaches include:

• Custom night guard: made from an impression or scan of your teeth so it fits precisely and comfortably. It cushions and separates the teeth, absorbing grinding forces and protecting enamel and dental work. A well-fitting custom guard is generally more comfortable and durable than a shop-bought one.
• Over-the-counter guards: boil-and-bite guards from a pharmacy are cheaper but often fit poorly, wear out faster and can be uncomfortable, which means people stop wearing them. They can be a short-term stopgap but are not a substitute for a custom guard.
• Addressing the causes: stress-management techniques, improving sleep habits, and reducing caffeine or alcohol can help reduce grinding alongside a guard.
• Protecting and repairing teeth: where grinding has already caused damage, we can discuss restoring worn or cracked teeth and protecting them going forward.

Your dentist will recommend the approach that suits your situation after examining your teeth and jaw. The aim is to protect your teeth and ease symptoms, not simply mask them.

What affects the cost of a night guard?

The cost of a custom night guard depends on the type of guard, the materials used and whether any tooth repair is needed first. A custom occlusal splint costs more than an over-the-counter guard but fits better and lasts longer, which often makes it better value over time. Because every case is different, we give you a quote after assessing your teeth — book a consultation for an exact figure.

Sydney Smile Centre offers HICAPS on-the-spot claiming with all major health funds, plus payment plans and Afterpay. Many funds provide a rebate towards occlusal splints depending on your level of cover, so it is worth checking with your fund. We will talk you through your options at your appointment.

Can teeth grinding be cured?

There is not always a single cure, because bruxism often has several contributing factors. The goal is to manage it — protecting your teeth with a custom night guard while addressing contributors such as stress or sleep. Many people significantly reduce the impact of grinding this way. Your dentist can help you build a plan suited to your situation.

How long does a custom night guard last?

A well-made custom night guard commonly lasts several years, though this depends on how heavily you grind and how well you care for it. Rinse it after use, store it dry, and bring it to your check-ups so we can inspect it for wear. Heavy grinders may need a replacement sooner, and we will let you know if yours needs updating.

Is grinding damaging my dental work?

It can be. The repeated force from grinding puts extra strain on fillings, crowns and veneers and may shorten their lifespan or cause them to chip or loosen. If you have had cosmetic or restorative work done, protecting it with a night guard is often recommended. We can check your existing dental work during an assessment and advise on protecting it.

Should I get a custom guard or a chemist one?

Over-the-counter guards are cheaper and can help short term, but they often fit poorly, feel bulky and wear out quickly, so many people stop using them. A custom guard is made to fit your teeth precisely, which is usually more comfortable, more protective and longer lasting. If you grind regularly or have dental work to protect, a custom guard is generally the better choice.

How do I book an assessment?

Call Sydney Smile Centre on 02 9349 2387 or request an appointment online at our website. We are open Monday to Friday 9am–5pm and Saturday 9am–1pm, and we welcome new and emergency patients from Pagewood, Maroubra, Eastgardens, Kingsford and across the Eastern Suburbs. We will examine your teeth and jaw and recommend the right way to protect your smile.