Bruxism Treatment: How to Stop Teeth Grinding and Protect Your Enamel

Enamel does not grow back. Once it is gone, it is gone. That is the part most people do not realise until they are already sitting in a dental chair looking at worn, flattened teeth that used to have proper cusps. Bruxism, the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, usually happens during sleep, which means most people have no idea they are doing it until the damage starts showing up.

A worn tooth surface, a cracked crown, persistent jaw ache in the morning, or a partner who mentions the sound at night: these are all signs worth taking seriously. The good news is that treatment is genuinely effective, and getting started before the damage progresses makes a real difference.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the involuntary grinding, gnashing, or clenching of the teeth. Sleep bruxism occurs during the night, often without any awareness. Awake bruxism happens during the day, usually during concentration or emotional stress. Both put abnormal pressure on the teeth and the jaw joint.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, bruxism affects around 8 to 10% of adults. Many cases go undiagnosed for years because the person doing the grinding is asleep when it happens.

What Are the Signs You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth?

• Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth that the dentist notices before you do
• Increased tooth sensitivity, particularly to temperature, as enamel thins
• Jaw pain or tightness, especially in the morning after a night of grinding
• Headaches that tend to start around the temples
• Earache-like pain without any actual ear problem
• A partner mentioning a scraping or grinding sound during the night
• Cracked dental work or crowns that keep failing without obvious cause

If you have not had a recent dental examination, our guide to Your First Visit to De-Twist Dental Specialist: What Really Happens explains exactly what to expect when you come in.

What Causes Bruxism?

There is rarely one single cause. In most people, bruxism results from a combination of factors:

• Stress and anxiety are the most commonly cited contributors.
• Sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea, have a significant connection to bruxism, occurring in up to one third of bruxism cases.
• Certain medications, including some antidepressants (SSRIs), can trigger or worsen bruxism.
• Bite misalignment means the jaw muscles have to work harder to bring teeth together properly.
• Caffeine and alcohol, particularly when consumed close to sleep, increase the likelihood of bruxism episodes.
• Genetics: bruxism does tend to run in families.

Treatment Options for Bruxism

Custom Night Guards: The First-Line Treatment

A custom night guard (also called an occlusal splint) is worn over the teeth during sleep. It creates a physical barrier so grinding force is absorbed by the guard rather than the enamel. A custom-fitted guard, made from precise impressions of your teeth, is categorically better than anything bought from a pharmacy.

Type	What It Does	Best For
Custom hard night guard	Rigid acrylic from precise impressions. Absorbs and distributes bite force. Lasts 5 to 10 years.	Moderate to severe bruxism. Best protection available.
Soft night guard	Softer thermoplastic. More comfortable initially but may increase clenching in some patients.	Mild bruxism.
Dual-laminate guard	Hard outer layer, soft inner layer. Combines protection with comfort.	Moderate bruxism.
Over-the-counter (boil-and-bite)	Poor fit. Can worsen clenching.	Not recommended for bruxism by most dentists.

Addressing the Triggers

A night guard protects the teeth, but it does not address why the grinding is happening. Consider stress management techniques, a sleep study referral if sleep apnea is suspected, medication review, reducing caffeine and alcohol before sleep, and jaw physiotherapy for TMJ involvement.

Can Worn or Damaged Teeth Be Repaired?

If bruxism has already worn down or cracked teeth, restorative options including composite bonding, crowns, or veneers can rebuild the lost structure. At De-Twist Dental Specialist, we use 3D imaging to assess the full extent of bite damage before recommending a restorative plan.

If bruxism has damaged existing crown work, our comparison of Zirconia Crowns vs. Traditional Options covers which crown material holds up best under grinding forces.

Daily Habits to Protect Your Enamel

• Use fluoride toothpaste: it remineralises and strengthens enamel at the microscopic level.
• Avoid acidic drinks close to grinding episodes.
• Do not brush immediately after acidic food or drink. Wait at least 30 minutes.
• Stay hydrated: saliva is the mouth’s natural enamel buffer.
• Attend regular cleaning appointments.

For specific toothpaste recommendations that support enamel health, see Toothpaste Brands and Mouthwashes Recommended for Preventing Gum Inflammation.

Getting Bruxism Treatment at De-Twist Dental Specialist

If you are waking up with jaw pain or a partner has mentioned grinding, book an assessment with us rather than waiting for the symptoms to escalate. We will examine your teeth for signs of grinding, assess your bite and jaw joint, and recommend the most suitable treatment.

Contact us on +234 706 959 7081 or +234 705 375 9772. Our Magodo clinic is at 8b CMD Road, Lagos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop bruxism completely?

For some people, particularly those whose bruxism is strongly linked to a period of stress or a medication, it does reduce or stop once the trigger resolves. A night guard prevents the damage regardless of whether the grinding persists.

Is an over-the-counter night guard good enough?

No. Pharmacy boil-and-bite guards fit poorly, can cause discomfort, and may worsen clenching. A custom guard made from impressions of your teeth fits precisely, stays in place, distributes force properly, and lasts much longer.

Will my HMO cover a night guard?

Coverage varies significantly. Read our breakdown in Does Health Insurance Cover Major Dental Work in Nigeria? to understand what your plan is likely to include.

How long does a custom night guard last?

A custom hard acrylic night guard typically lasts 5 to 10 years with proper care. Soft guards wear out more quickly, particularly for heavy grinders.