Yes. A dentist is often the first person to notice teeth grinding, and can protect your teeth with a custom night guard while helping you get at what is causing it. At Sola Dental Spa in Staten Island, Dr. Anne Gershkowitz, DDS, our founder, regularly spots the telltale wear of grinding, called bruxism, during routine exams, often before the patient has any idea it is happening. Because most grinding occurs during sleep, a dentist frequently sees the damage before you feel it. Protective and restorative care for grinding is part of the services we offer.
A dentist can protect your teeth from grinding with a custom-fitted night guard, repair damage that has already occurred, and help identify contributing causes such as stress, bite issues, or sleep problems. Because grinding usually happens during sleep, your dentist is often the first to catch it.
“I catch a lot of grinding before patients ever mention it, because the wear pattern on the teeth is unmistakable. A custom night guard is the workhorse here, it absorbs the force so your teeth do not. But I always want to know why someone is grinding, because the guard protects the teeth while we work on the cause.”
Dr. Anne Gershkowitz, DDS, Founder, Sola Dental Spa
A patient from Grasmere came in with unexplained jaw soreness and dull morning headaches, sure it was unrelated to her teeth. Her molars told a different story, with flattened edges from months of nighttime clenching. A custom night guard eased the jaw pain within weeks, and we talked through the stress that had ramped up her grinding. The guard was the fix she could feel, but understanding the cause was what kept it from getting worse.
How does a dentist know I am grinding my teeth?
By the signs on your teeth and in your jaw. Flattened, chipped, or worn edges, along with jaw tenderness or headaches, are classic clues that a dentist recognizes even when you have no idea you grind.
Most people are unaware they clench or grind, especially during sleep. The American Dental Association notes that dentists and dental hygienists are often the first to notice the signs of teeth grinding, such as chipped or cracked teeth and worn spots along the edges of teeth. That early detection matters, because grinding that goes unchecked can crack teeth and wear down enamel that does not grow back.
How does a night guard help?
A custom night guard is a protective cover worn while you sleep. It absorbs and redistributes the grinding force so your teeth take less of the impact, preventing wear, cracks, and much of the associated jaw strain.
A guard does not stop you from grinding, but it takes the punishment instead of your teeth. The ADA points out that a custom guard made from a mold your dentist creates gives the closest, most comfortable fit, and that store-bought versions may not offer the same protection. That fit matters for both comfort and effectiveness, which is why a dentist-made guard outperforms a generic one.
What actually causes teeth grinding?
Stress is the most common trigger, but grinding can also stem from sleep disorders, or from teeth that do not line up properly. That last cause is one a dentist is uniquely positioned to evaluate and address.
The ADA lists stress, sleep disorders, and teeth that do not line up properly among the causes of bruxism. Because misaligned teeth can contribute, grinding sometimes overlaps with bite problems, which is one reason our post on the risks of not correcting misaligned teeth is worth a read. A guard protects your teeth in every case, while addressing the underlying cause, whether stress, sleep, or bite, is what reduces the grinding itself.
| Guard type | Fit | Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Custom dentist-made | Molded to your teeth | Best, most comfortable |
| Boil-and-bite store guard | Semi-custom | Some protection, bulkier |
| Stock store guard | One size, loose | Least, often uncomfortable |
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I grind my teeth in my sleep?
You often will not, which is why dentists catch it first. Clues include morning jaw soreness, dull headaches, tooth sensitivity, or a partner noticing the sound. If any of these sound familiar, mention it at your next visit to our Staten Island office.
Can I just buy a night guard at the store?
You can, but a store guard usually fits loosely and offers less protection. A custom guard made from a mold of your teeth is more comfortable and more effective, which matters for something you wear every night for years.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
Not exactly. It protects your teeth from the force of grinding rather than stopping the habit itself. That is why we also look at causes like stress and bite, so you are protecting the teeth and reducing the grinding at the same time.
Can grinding damage be repaired?
Yes. Teeth worn, chipped, or cracked by grinding can often be restored, and a night guard then protects the repair. The sooner grinding is addressed, the less extensive that restorative work tends to be.
Is teeth grinding in children a concern?
Children often grind their teeth and frequently outgrow it, and because their teeth and jaws are still developing it does not always cause lasting harm. If you are concerned about your child, ask us at a routine visit and we can take a look.