7 Signs You're Grinding Your Teeth at Night (And Don't Know It)

Here's a startling fact: Up to 80% of people who grind their teeth at night have no idea they're doing it. Teeth grinding (clinically called bruxism) happens during sleep, so unless someone tells you or you experience the symptoms, it can go undiagnosed for years.

After 25 years of treating patients for jaw pain and teeth grinding, I've seen countless people who had been suffering needlessly — simply because they didn't know the warning signs.

Here are the 7 most common signs that you might be grinding your teeth at night:

1. Morning Jaw Pain or Stiffness

This is the most common sign. If you wake up and your jaw feels sore, tight, or stiff — especially around the joint near your ear — it's a strong indicator of nighttime grinding. The pain often fades within an hour of waking but returns the next morning.

2. Frequent Headaches (Especially in the Morning)

Teeth grinding creates intense pressure in your jaw muscles, which can trigger tension headaches. These headaches often start at the temples and feel like a dull, constant ache. If you're waking up with headaches regularly, grinding could be the culprit.

3. Worn, Flat, or Chipped Teeth

Look in the mirror. Are your teeth looking shorter than they used to? Do you see flat spots on your molars or small chips on your front teeth? Grinding wears down enamel over time — and once it's gone, it doesn't grow back.

4. Tooth Sensitivity

When grinding wears down your enamel, it exposes the more sensitive layers underneath. If hot, cold, or sweet foods suddenly bother your teeth, it could be because grinding has worn away your protective enamel.

5. Your Partner Hears It

Grinding can be loud — loud enough to wake a sleeping partner. If someone has told you that you make grinding or clenching sounds at night, take it seriously. This is often how people first discover they have bruxism.

6. Tight or Enlarged Jaw Muscles

Feel the sides of your jaw, just below your cheekbones. Do the muscles feel hard, bulky, or tender? Chronic grinding can cause your masseter muscles (the chewing muscles) to become enlarged, giving your face a more square appearance.

7. Disrupted Sleep

Even if you don't remember waking up, grinding can pull you out of deep sleep multiple times per night. If you're getting 7-8 hours but still feel tired, grinding might be fragmenting your sleep cycles.

What To Do If You Recognize These Signs

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you're not alone — and there are solutions. The most effective protection is a custom-fit night guard that prevents your teeth from making contact while you sleep.

A proper night guard should:

• Fit your unique bite perfectly
• Be comfortable enough to wear every night
• Be made from dental-grade materials
• Not be bulky or trigger your gag reflex

The Bottom Line

Teeth grinding is incredibly common, but that doesn't make it harmless. Left unaddressed, it can lead to cracked teeth, expensive dental work, chronic pain, and poor sleep.

The good news? Once you know you're grinding, protecting your teeth is simple. A well-fitted night guard can prevent damage and help you wake up feeling better — often within the first few nights of use.

Don't wait until you crack a tooth to take action. If you recognized yourself in any of these signs, it's time to do something about it.