What is bruxism or teeth grinding?
Bruxism means grinding or clenching your teeth. It can happen while you are awake or asleep, and you may notice the effects before you notice the habit. A dental examination can help identify tooth wear, damage, and other possible causes of jaw discomfort.
How can I tell if I grind my teeth?
Possible signs include worn or chipped teeth, tired jaw muscles, morning jaw soreness, and sensitivity. A sleeping partner may hear grinding. These signs do not prove bruxism: decay, a cracked tooth, and other conditions can cause similar symptoms. Start with a dental examination rather than diagnosing the problem yourself.
Does a night guard stop teeth grinding?
A professionally fitted guard can help protect teeth from grinding forces. It does not guarantee that grinding will stop. The appropriate approach depends on your symptoms, existing restorations, and whether clenching occurs during the day or at night. Our bruxism care page explains how we evaluate tooth grinding and discuss protection.
What can I do about daytime clenching?
Notice when your teeth are touching during concentration or stress, and discuss that pattern with your dentist. Keeping a short record of when symptoms occur can make your visit more useful. If symptoms began after a medication change, tell your prescriber and dentist; do not stop prescribed medication on your own.
When should I have grinding symptoms checked?
Arrange an evaluation for repeated jaw soreness, new sensitivity, chipped teeth, or damage to a filling or crown. If a tooth hurts when you chew, our guide to common causes of tooth pain explains why an examination matters. Discuss snoring or breathing concerns during sleep with your medical clinician as well.
Where can I get help with teeth grinding in Jacksonville?
Dr. C.J. Henley's office is at 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207, near San Marco. Bring any current guard and describe when you notice symptoms. We can assess your teeth and restorations and discuss next steps. Contact our office to arrange an evaluation.
Further reading: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Bruxism.
Updated October 1, 2026.
The Stress-Oral Connection: How Mental Wellness Impacts Clinical Dental Outcomes
Stress and anxiety can physically damage your smile through cortisol spikes and medication-induced dry mouth. Discover our medically-informed dental approach.
The relationship between mental health and dental health is a complex, bidirectional pathway. While behavioral changes are often the first sign of struggle, the physiological effects of stress and anxiety can cause significant, long-term damage to your teeth and supporting structures.
At CJ Henley, DMD, we provide a judgment-free environment focused on Complex & Medically Involved Care, helping patients navigate dental recovery alongside their mental health journey.
The Physiology of Stress: Cortisol and Inflammation
Stress is not just "in your head"—it is a systemic hormonal event. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can suppress the immune response, making it easier for pathogenic bacteria to invade the gingival tissues. This can lead to:
Accelerated Periodontal Disease: Chronic inflammation that is harder to treat due to a compromised immune system.
Delayed Healing: Slower recovery times after routine or surgical dental procedures.
Recurrent Oral Lesions: Stress-induced aphthous ulcers (canker sores) that can impact nutrition and comfort.
Medication Side Effects: The "Dry Mouth" Challenge
Many life-saving antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications carry a common clinical side effect: Xerostomia, or chronic dry mouth. Saliva is the mouth’s natural defense mechanism, responsible for neutralizing acids and remineralizing enamel. When saliva flow is reduced, the risk for "rampant decay" increases significantly. Our practice specializes in Medically Informed Protocols to protect patients on these medications, utilizing specialized fluoride therapies and biocompatible materials designed for high-risk environments.
Bruxism and Mechanical Wear
Anxiety often manifests physically as Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), particularly during sleep. This mechanical force can result in:
Loss of Vertical Dimension: Permanently wearing down essential molars.
Fractured Restorations: Breaking existing crowns or fillings due to excessive force.
TMJ Dysfunction: Chronic jaw pain and headaches that impact quality of life.
For patients exhibiting severe wear, our approach to Advanced Restorative Dentistry focuses on rebuilding function and protecting your smile with custom-engineered occlusal guards.
A Humane, Unhurried Approach
We understand that visiting the dentist can be a source of anxiety itself. This is why we prioritize an unhurried, two-hour new patient evaluation. We take the time to listen to your history, review your medications, and design a care plan that respects both your dental needs and your mental well-being.
Reviewed and Updated February 2026
Are You a Nighttime Tooth Grinder? Here's How To Tell—And What to Do About It
Teeth grinding is a problem that affects nearly one in ten individuals, yet many of us don’t even realize we’re doing it. And that’s a problem given just how harmful it can be to our health. Here’s how to find out if you grind your teeth when you sleep—and why it’s something you shouldn’t ignore.
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common condition that often goes unnoticed because it typically occurs during sleep. Many patients are unaware it’s happening until signs of damage begin to appear — sometimes years later.
Persistent grinding places excessive forces on teeth, dental restorations, jaw joints, and the muscles of the face and neck. Over time, this can contribute to tooth wear, fractures, jaw discomfort, headaches, and changes in bite function. Left unaddressed, bruxism can quietly undermine otherwise healthy teeth.
For a clear, accessible overview of how teeth grinding occurs during sleep — and why it’s difficult to recognize without professional evaluation — this article provides a helpful explanation:
Reviewed and updated January 2026