Most grinders have no idea. The evidence shows up secondhand: a jaw that's tired at breakfast, temple headaches, teeth that look subtly shorter than photos from five years ago, or a spouse filing noise complaints. Clenching and grinding — bruxism, if you want the crossword answer — happens mostly in sleep, at forces chewing never approaches.
Enamel doesn't grow back. Grinding flattens chewing surfaces, chips edges, cracks fillings and crowns, and can carve notches at the gumline; the jaw muscles and joint collect their own overtime. Stress is the usual driver — a fact that explains the tax-season and new-baby waves fifty local years teach you to expect.
The damage-stopper is a custom night guard: it doesn't end the habit, it makes the plastic take the wear instead of your enamel. The wear pattern is visible at any exam — ask, and you'll see your own evidence on the screen before deciding anything.
Questions we hear in the chair
How do I know for sure that I grind?
The exam reads it off your teeth — wear facets don't lie. Morning jaw or temple ache and a bed partner's testimony complete the case file.
Can I just try a drugstore guard first?
As a short experiment, sure. They're bulky and short-lived, which is why many people quit them and conclude wrongly that guards aren't for them. If grinding is confirmed, the custom version is the one that actually gets worn.
My jaw clicks and aches too. Same problem?
Often related — the joint logs the same overtime as the teeth. Mention the clicking at your exam; the evaluation covers both, and the honest options get laid out plainly.
Clinical content reviewed by Dr. Marissa DeAngelis, Senior Dentist.
Serving Crozet for 50+ years. At least two full-time doctors in the building, Monday through Friday. Call for current availability.
