8 Signs You May Need Bruxism Treatment

Do You Notice These Symptoms?

At Wright Perio & Implants, our mission is to help patients live healthier lives by providing comprehensive care that looks at the whole person, not just their teeth. We understand that the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body, and issues like teeth grinding—clinically known as bruxism—can have far-reaching effects on your total body wellness. While many people grind their teeth occasionally due to stress, chronic grinding can lead to severe dental damage and discomfort.

Dr. Raymond L. Wright Jr. and our dedicated team in San Clemente are devoted to identifying these issues early. By utilizing the latest science-based technologies, our practice focuses on minimally invasive treatment to protect your natural smile. If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth at night, it is essential to recognize the warning signs so you can seek help from a dentist’s office near you before permanent damage occurs.

Here are 8 common signs that indicate you may need to seek professional care for bruxism.

1. Waking Up with Dull Headaches

One of the most frequent indicators of nighttime teeth grinding is waking up with a dull, throbbing headache. This pain often originates in the temples and is caused by the excessive muscle contraction required to grind or clench your teeth while you sleep. Unlike a standard migraine or tension headache that develops later in the day, bruxism-induced headaches are usually present the moment you open your eyes.

If you find yourself reaching for pain relievers every morning, it might be time to look at your oral health as the culprit. Addressing the root cause with bruxism treatment can alleviate this daily discomfort and improve your quality of life.

2. Unexplained Facial and Jaw Pain

The muscles in your jaw are incredibly strong, and when they are overworked throughout the night, they become sore and inflamed. You might notice tenderness in your jaw muscles, difficulty opening your mouth wide, or a general feeling of fatigue in your face. This condition can sometimes be misdiagnosed as an ear infection because the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located very close to the ear canal.

• Muscle Tension: Feeling tightness in the cheeks or jawline.
• Radiating Pain: Discomfort that spreads to the neck or shoulders.

If you are experiencing persistent facial pain, please call our office today at (949) 361-4867 to schedule an evaluation.

3. Flattened or Worn-Down Teeth

Bruxism exerts immense pressure on your teeth—far more than normal chewing does. Over time, this friction acts like sandpaper, wearing down the biting surfaces of your molars and flattening the tips of your canines. During a comprehensive exam, Dr. Wright can easily spot these wear patterns, which often appear as shiny spots on the teeth where the enamel has been completely rubbed away.

Losing enamel makes your teeth more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. Preserving your remaining tooth structure is our priority at Wright Perio & Implants, and early intervention is key to stopping this erosion.

4. Increased Tooth Sensitivity

As the protective layer of enamel is worn away by grinding, the sensitive inner layer of the tooth, known as dentin, becomes exposed. You may notice a sharp pain when consuming hot coffee, cold ice cream, or even acidic foods. This sensitivity can happen across multiple teeth rather than being isolated to a single cavity.

While sensitive toothpaste might offer temporary relief, it does not stop the grinding that is causing the problem. Seeking professional care at our San Clemente practice ensures that we address the source of the sensitivity, not just the symptom.

To discuss your tooth sensitivity with our expert team, call us at (949) 361-4867.

5. Chipped, Fractured, or Loose Teeth

In severe cases, the force of clenching and grinding can be strong enough to fracture or chip healthy teeth. You might notice small cracks in your enamel or feel that a tooth has become loose. This type of trauma can compromise the structural integrity of your smile and, if left untreated, may lead to tooth loss.

If your teeth are too damaged to be saved, our practice specializes in placing dental implants to restore function and aesthetics. However, our goal is always to save your natural teeth whenever possible through timely treatment.

6. Sleep Disruption for You or Your Partner

Bruxism is often a loud habit. The sound of teeth grinding against each other can be likened to crunching gravel or scraping stones, which is often loud enough to wake a sleeping partner. Even if you sleep through the noise, the physical exertion of grinding can prevent you from reaching deep, restorative sleep stages.

• Daytime Fatigue: Feeling tired despite getting a full night’s rest.
• Restless Sleep: Waking up frequently during the night.

If your sleep quality is suffering, contact Wright Perio & Implants at (949) 361-4867 to find a solution.

7. Indentations on Your Tongue or Cheek

If you chronically clench your jaw, you may inadvertently bite the soft tissues inside your mouth. A common sign of this is a scalloped tongue—where the sides of your tongue have wavy indentations that match the shape of your teeth. Similarly, you might develop a raised ridge of tissue on the inside of your cheeks, known as linea alba, from constant friction.

These physical markers are clear evidence that your mouth is under stress while you sleep. Dr. Wright can identify these signs during a routine examination at our bright, cheerful, and comfortable office suites.

8. Tightness or Clicking in the Jaw Joint (TMJ)

Bruxism places significant strain on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect your jaw to your skull. You may hear a clicking or popping sound when you chew, yawn, or speak. In some cases, the jaw may even lock in an open or closed position. This dysfunction can be painful and limits your range of motion.

Ignoring these sounds can lead to long-term joint damage. Our approach to oral health focuses on minimally invasive treatment to restore harmony to your bite and relieve pressure on the joints, potentially utilizing advanced 3D imaging to accurately diagnose the extent of the issue.

Why You Should Seek Treatment Now

Ignoring the signs of bruxism can lead to expensive and complex dental problems down the road. From root canals to gum recession, the consequences of untreated grinding are extensive. At Wright Perio & Implants, we strive to repair or restore your smile to radiant health using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.

By seeking treatment, such as a custom-fitted night guard or bite adjustment, you protect your enamel, reduce muscle pain, and ensure a better night’s sleep. We accept most PPO insurances and are committed to helping you make informed decisions about your oral health.

Schedule Your Consultation in South Orange County

Your smile is a reflection of your total body wellness, and you deserve to live a life free from jaw pain and headaches. Wright Perio & Implants is South Orange County’s top choice for experienced, innovative care.

If you are looking for “dentists near you” who can provide comprehensive solutions for teeth grinding, our team is here to help. We are currently accepting new patients and look forward to welcoming you to our practice.

Contact our office today at (949) 361-4867 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Raymond L. Wright Jr. at Wright Perio & Implants.