Why Do I Grind My Teeth at Night? Common Triggers and How to Stop

You wake up with a sore jaw or maybe a dull headache that just won’t go away. Your partner tells you they hear you clenching or grinding your teeth at night. Sound familiar? If you’ve found yourself wondering why you grind your teeth at night​, you’re not alone. Millions of people experience nighttime teeth grinding, or bruxism, without even realizing it.

Common Triggers for Teeth Grinding at Night

Teeth grinding doesn’t happen for no reason. Your body and mind are usually responding to something. Identifying those triggers is the first step toward a better night’s sleep—and a healthier mouth.

Here are the most common causes:

1. Stress and Anxiety

This is a big one. Whether it’s a tight work deadline or life throwing curveballs, stress tends to show up when you least expect it—and often in your sleep.

• Your body can carry tension into the night, especially through your jaw.
• People who are naturally anxious or tend to overthink often grind their teeth more.

2. Sleep Disorders

Conditions like sleep apnea and snoring aren’t just about disrupted breathing—they often go hand-in-hand with teeth grinding.

• If you snore heavily or gasp for air while sleeping, your jaw might clench as a reflex.
• Grinding may be the body’s way of trying to open up the airway.

3. Bite Problems or Misaligned Teeth

An uneven bite can confuse your muscles.

• If your top and bottom teeth don’t fit together naturally, your jaw might try to “correct” it while you sleep.
• Over time, this turns into habitual grinding.

4. Lifestyle Habits

Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking are major culprits.

• Love your coffee or energy drinks a little too much? That can trigger more jaw activity at night.
• Alcohol relaxes your muscles too much, leading to disorganized sleep and clenching.

5. Medications and Medical Conditions

Some antidepressants and neurological conditions are also linked to bruxism.

• If you’ve recently started new meds, it’s worth noting any new jaw tension or morning soreness.
• Conditions like Parkinson’s or Huntington’s disease may come with involuntary jaw movement.

How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth at Night

Thankfully, once you understand your personal triggers, you can make small changes that add up to big relief.

Here’s where to begin:

Stress Management

This might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s truly effective.

• Try deep breathing before bed. A few minutes of calm can ease your whole body.
• Journaling, meditation apps, or even a quick walk can help clear mental clutter.

Tip: A warm bath before bed isn’t just relaxing—it also calms your muscles, including the ones around your jaw.

Improve Your Sleep Routine

A consistent, healthy sleep schedule goes a long way.

• Stick to the same bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends.
• Limit screen time before bed. Blue light messes with your natural sleep rhythms.
• Cut back on caffeine after 2 p.m. and limit alcohol intake.

Mouthguards

To safeguard your teeth from grinding, a personalized night guard is a highly effective solution.

• It cushions your teeth and reduces the pressure from clenching.
• Over-the-counter guards exist, but a custom one fits better and work more effectively.

A good bruxism treatment in SW Calgary, AB, often starts with a custom night guard designed to fit your mouth perfectly.

Dental Adjustments

In some cases, adjusting your bite might help.

• Your dentist can evaluate if uneven teeth are contributing to your grinding.
• Simple reshaping or orthodontics might be the key.

Tip: Don’t ignore your bite—how your teeth come together can affect more than just your smile.

When to See a Dentist About Teeth Grinding

So, how do you know it’s time to see a professional?

Here’s when you should book an appointment:

• You frequently start your day with jaw soreness, headaches, or tightness in your neck.
• Your partner notices you clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep.
• Your teeth appear flattened, chipped, or more sensitive than usual.
• You’re aware that you clench your jaw when stressed.

If you’re asking yourself, Is there a dentist near me who can help with this? The answer is yes. A dental professional can diagnose the problem, offer relief, and prevent long-term damage.

A skilled dentist in SW Calgary, AB, will assess your symptoms, check your bite, and recommend the best course of action—whether that’s a night guard, therapy for stress, or bite alignment treatments.

Conclusion

Teeth grinding doesn’t have to control your nights or damage your smile. Identifying the cause is the first step toward lasting relief. Whether it’s stress, bite issues, or sleep problems, the right support makes all the difference. At Dental at the Met, we offer caring solutions to help you stop grinding and start sleeping better—one peaceful night at a time.