How to Tell If You Grind Your Teeth at Night
Most people who grind their teeth at night don't know they do it. The usual clues are a sleeping partner who hears grinding, a sore or tired jaw or a dull headache when you wake up, and flattened, chipped or cracked teeth that your dentist notices. None of these proves you grind, because other problems cause the same symptoms, so a dental examination is the way to confirm it and rule out other causes.
What signs suggest you grind your teeth while you sleep?
Signs you might notice in the morning:
A sore, tight or tired jaw, or aching in the muscles of the cheeks and temples
A dull headache, often around the temples
Teeth that feel sore or sensitive when you first wake
Tender spots along the cheek or the edge of the tongue where it presses against your teeth
Signs in your teeth and dental work:
Front teeth that look shorter, flatter or more even than they used to
Small chips along the biting edges
Fillings or crowns that break or come loose more often than you'd expect
New sensitivity to cold
Signs other people notice:
A partner or family member hears grinding or clicking during the night
Many cases are mild. Grinding becomes a problem when it is frequent or forceful enough to wear teeth, break dental work or cause jaw pain.
What else can cause the same symptoms?
Jaw pain, headaches and sensitive teeth have many possible causes. A cracked tooth, a cavity, gum recession, a sinus problem or a jaw joint disorder can feel similar. This is why I'd rather examine your teeth and jaw than have you assume the cause. If a tooth hurts when you bite, that deserves its own evaluation.
Should you mention snoring or poor sleep?
Yes. Grinding during sleep sometimes occurs alongside snoring or other sleep problems. If you snore loudly, wake up gasping or feel tired despite a full night in bed, talk with your physician as well as your dentist. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research notes that a sleep study may be recommended in some cases of night-time grinding.
What can you do before your visit?
Ask the person you share a room with whether they've heard grinding.
Keep a short record of when you wake with jaw soreness or headaches and what was going on the day before.
Notice evening habits. Caffeine and alcohol are both linked with grinding, and so are smoking and some medications.
Don't stop a prescribed medication because you think it's causing grinding. Talk with your prescriber first.
Over-the-counter guards are widely sold. A guard that doesn't fit well can be uncomfortable or change how your teeth meet, so it's worth having your teeth and bite checked first.
What happens at a dental examination for grinding?
I look at wear patterns on your teeth, check your fillings and crowns, feel the jaw muscles and joints, and ask when your symptoms happen. Together that helps show whether grinding is likely, how much damage there is and whether protection makes sense. Our companion article explains what bruxism is and whether a night guard helps. You can also try our quick self-check for teeth grinding.
Where can you get grinding symptoms checked in Jacksonville?
Our office is at 3675 Hendricks Avenue, near San Marco. Read about our teeth grinding treatment in Jacksonville, including custom night guards and Botox for jaw and facial pain, learn what happens during a comprehensive dental exam, or contact the office at 904-398-1549 to arrange a visit.
Sources
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Bruxism. Last reviewed March 2025, retrieved 2026-10-06.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.