Bruxism & Teeth Grinding · Bethesda, MD

Do you wake up with jaw pain or headaches? You might be grinding your teeth at night.

Bruxism affects millions of Americans — most of them don't know they have it. Left untreated, it cracks teeth, destroys enamel, and causes chronic jaw pain.

The good news: it's one of the easiest dental problems to treat.

Do any of these sound familiar?

Six signs you might be grinding your teeth.

Most bruxism happens at night. You may not even know you're doing it — but your teeth and jaw do.

Jaw pain when you wake up

If your jaw feels sore, tight, or tired first thing in the morning, grinding is likely the cause.

Morning headaches

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Worn or flattened teeth

Grinding slowly flattens the cusps of your teeth. Your dentist can see this on your first exam — even if you've never noticed it yourself.

Tooth sensitivity

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Your partner hears grinding sounds

The grinding sound at night is loud enough to wake a partner. If someone has mentioned it to you, take it seriously — it means it's significant.

Clicking or popping jaw

A clicking jaw when you open or close your mouth may indicate TMJ damage caused by chronic grinding. This needs attention before it gets worse.

Recognize any of these? Don't wait for a tooth to crack.

The average person who grinds their teeth does so for 40 minutes every night — generating up to 250 pounds of force per square inch. Your teeth were not built for that.

What is bruxism

More than just grinding your teeth.

Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching. It can happen at night while you sleep — which is the most common form — or during the day without you realizing it.

The causes vary: stress and anxiety are the most common triggers, but bruxism is also linked to sleep disorders, certain medications, alcohol, and misaligned teeth. Children often develop it during growth or as a response to illness.

The problem isn't the grinding itself — it's what it does over time. Chronic bruxism cracks teeth, destroys fillings, causes gum recession, and leads to serious TMJ disorders. A tooth that cracks from grinding often needs a crown or an extraction. That's a $2,000 problem that a $300 night guard could have prevented.

Treatment options

We match the treatment to your specific case.

There's no one-size-fits-all solution for bruxism. The Bethesda Dental Group team assesses your situation and recommends the option that makes the most sense for you.

Custom night guard

A custom-fitted oral appliance worn while you sleep creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. It prevents grinding damage, reduces jaw muscle tension, and eliminates morning pain within days of use. Unlike over-the-counter guards, a custom night guard fits precisely — it's comfortable enough to actually wear.

Occlusal adjustment

If your bite is misaligned, it may be triggering your grinding. An occlusal adjustment corrects the bite by smoothing down specific contact points on your teeth — a precise, non-invasive procedure that takes one visit.

Restorative treatment

If grinding has already cracked, chipped, or worn down your teeth, we repair the damage with crowns, bonding, or veneers before fitting you with a night guard to prevent further wear.

Why Bethesda Dental Group

From first visit to no more jaw pain.

The Bethesda Dental Group team examines your teeth for signs of grinding, checks your bite, and assesses any jaw or TMJ involvement. Most patients are diagnosed at their first appointment.

If a night guard is recommended, we take precise impressions of your teeth the same day. Your custom guard is fabricated and ready within 1 to 2 weeks.

We fit your night guard, make any adjustments for comfort and bite, and check in at your next cleaning to make sure it's working. Most patients notice relief within the first week of use.

What patients say

200 reasons to choose us.

We don't ask you to trust us. We let our patients do the talking.

A custom night guard costs a fraction of what a cracked tooth does.

Cherry, Sunbit, Proceed and Care Credit financing available for all services.
No hard credit check · Approved in seconds · Plans from 3 to 24 months

Stop grinding. Start sleeping better.

A single appointment is all it takes to diagnose bruxism and start protecting your teeth. The Bethesda Dental Group team will assess your situation, explain your options, and have your custom night guard ready within two weeks.