Dental Articles - London

If you wake up most mornings with a dull headache, a tight jaw, or teeth that feel sensitive, the cause may not be your pillow or your sleep schedule. For many London patients, these symptoms are linked to bruxism—the habit of grinding or clenching teeth, often during sleep.

Bruxism is more common than many people realize. It can develop gradually, and because it happens while you are asleep, you may not notice it until a partner mentions grinding sounds or your dentist spots signs of wear during a routine checkup.

At Lunar Smile Dentistry on Wharncliffe Rd, we regularly help patients understand what is happening with their jaw and teeth, and whether a custom night guard may be a helpful part of their care plan.

What Is Bruxism, and Why Does It Cause Headaches?

Bruxism involves repeated clenching or grinding of the teeth. Some people do this during the day—especially when stressed or concentrating—while others clench mainly at night. Nighttime grinding can place significant force on your teeth, jaw muscles, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull.

That sustained pressure can lead to symptoms such as:

• Morning headaches or tension around the temples
• Soreness in the jaw, face, or neck
• Clicking or popping in the jaw joint
• Flattened, chipped, or worn tooth surfaces
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Disrupted sleep for you or your partner

These symptoms can overlap with other conditions, which is why a proper dental evaluation is important. Your dentist can examine your teeth, bite, and jaw function to help determine whether bruxism is a likely factor.

Common Causes and Triggers

There is no single cause of bruxism. For many patients, several factors may contribute:

• Stress and anxiety — Emotional tension often shows up in the body, and the jaw is a common place to hold it.
• Sleep patterns — Poor sleep quality or certain sleep disorders can be associated with increased grinding.
• Misaligned bite — An uneven bite may place extra strain on certain teeth and jaw muscles.
• Medications and lifestyle factors — Caffeine, alcohol, and some medications have been linked to increased clenching in some individuals.
• Missing or damaged teeth — Changes in your bite after tooth loss or dental work can sometimes affect how your jaw rests at night.

Understanding your triggers can help you and your dental team create a more complete approach to care—not just treating symptoms, but addressing contributing factors where possible.

How a Custom Night Guard Works

A night guard—also called an occlusal splint or bite guard—is a removable appliance worn over your teeth while you sleep. Its primary job is to create a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth so that grinding forces are absorbed by the guard rather than your enamel.

Unlike store-bought boil-and-bite options, a custom night guard is made from impressions or digital scans of your mouth. This allows for a precise fit that is more comfortable to wear night after night and more effective at distributing pressure evenly across your bite.

Benefits of a professionally fitted night guard may include:

• Reduced wear and damage to tooth enamel
• Less strain on jaw muscles and the TMJ
• Decreased morning jaw soreness for many patients
• Protection for existing dental restorations such as crowns or veneers
• A durable appliance designed for long-term nightly use

Results vary from person to person, and a night guard is not a cure for every jaw-related concern. However, for patients whose symptoms are linked to nighttime grinding, it is often a practical first step in protecting the teeth and easing muscle tension.

Signs You Should Talk to Your Dentist

Occasional jaw tightness after a stressful week is different from ongoing symptoms that affect your daily comfort. Consider booking an appointment if you notice:

• Frequent morning headaches that improve as the day goes on
• Jaw pain that persists or worsens over time
• Visible flattening or chipping on your teeth
• A partner who regularly hears grinding at night
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully or discomfort when chewing

During your visit, your dentist will review your symptoms, examine your teeth and gums, and assess your bite and jaw movement. This evaluation helps rule out other causes—such as cavities, gum disease, or sinus issues—that can sometimes mimic jaw-related pain.

If you are new to our practice, our first visit page outlines what to expect so you can arrive prepared with questions about your symptoms.

Other Treatment Options Your Dentist May Discuss

A night guard is one tool in a broader toolkit. Depending on your situation, your dentist may also recommend:

• Stress management techniques — Relaxation exercises, improved sleep habits, and addressing sources of daily stress can reduce clenching for some patients.
• Orthodontic evaluation — If bite alignment is contributing to the problem, clear aligners or other orthodontic options may be worth exploring.
• Restorative dentistry — Worn or damaged teeth may need fillings, crowns, or other repairs to restore function and protect your smile.
• Muscle-relaxing injections — For patients with chronic jaw tension related to TMJ disorders, targeted muscle-relaxing injections may provide additional relief when recommended by your dentist.
• Physical therapy or referral — In some cases, exercises or referral to a specialist may be appropriate for persistent TMJ symptoms.

Your treatment plan should be tailored to your specific needs. What works well for one patient may not be the right approach for another, which is why a thorough assessment matters.

Caring for Your Night Guard

Once you receive your custom appliance, a few simple habits will help it last:

• Rinse it with cool water each morning and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush
• Store it in its protective case when not in use
• Keep it away from hot water, which can warp the material
• Bring it to regular dental checkups so your dentist can inspect it for wear

Most night guards need to be replaced every few years depending on the severity of your grinding and how well the appliance is maintained. Your dental team will let you know when it is time for a new one.

Protecting Your Smile at Lunar Smile Dentistry

Grinding and clenching can quietly damage your teeth over months or years. Catching the habit early—before significant wear occurs—can save you from more extensive dental work down the road.

At Lunar Smile Dentistry in London, ON, we combine thorough evaluations with modern dental technology to help patients understand their oral health and explore practical solutions. Whether you need a custom night guard, restorative care for worn teeth, or guidance on managing jaw discomfort, our team is here to support you.

If morning headaches or jaw pain are part of your routine, it may be time to find out whether bruxism is playing a role. Call us at 226-884-2573 or request an appointment online. We are located at 475 Wharncliffe Rd and are currently accepting new patients.

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Dentist London