Why you grind your teeth at night and how to stop it

30 September 2025

Have you been waking with a sore jaw? Experiencing unexplained headaches, or teeth that look more worn than you remember? If so, you might be experiencing night-time teeth grinding. Known medically as bruxism, this condition is surprisingly common. For some people it’s occasional, while for others it becomes a nightly habit with serious consequences.

At 1 Health Christchurch, we see patients every week who had no idea they were grinding until the signs became impossible to ignore. With the right dental care, bruxism can be managed effectively, and often with a simple, comfortable dental solution.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the involuntary clenching, grinding, or gnashing of teeth, most often occurring during sleep. Because it happens subconsciously, many people don’t realise they grind until they notice the after-effects: tooth wear, jaw tension, or being told by a partner that their grinding is keeping them awake.

There are two forms of bruxism. Awake bruxism is usually linked to stress or deep concentration, while sleep bruxism is classified as a sleep-related movement disorder. Both cause the same long-term damage to teeth and jaw joints.

How do I know if I’m grinding my teeth at night?

Bruxism shows itself in a variety of ways. Some are obvious dental issues; others are more general health complaints you may not immediately connect to your teeth. If the following symptoms of bruxism are relatable, it’s worth arranging a consultation at our dental clinic in Christchurch to investigate further.

Man in bed with hands on head, eyes closed, looking distressed.

Dental signs of bruxism

Dentally, the condition often results in flattened or chipped teeth, tiny cracks in the enamel, or increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods as the protective outer layer wears away. In more advanced cases, fillings, crowns, or even veneers may start to fracture under the pressure of nightly clenching.

General health signs of bruxism

But the impact isn’t only visible in your smile. Many patients report waking with headaches across the temples, ear pain without infection, or stiffness in the jaw that makes chewing uncomfortable even creating a loud clicking noise. This nocturnal habit can also impact the quality of your sleep, leaving you tired and irritable during the day.

Why does it happen? Why am I grinding my teeth?

There isn’t one single cause of bruxism; it’s usually the result of several contributing factors:

· Stress and anxiety - emotional tension is one of the most common triggers.

· Sleep disorders - such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea.

· Medications - some antidepressants and stimulants can contribute.

· Lifestyle habits -high caffeine intake, alcohol, smoking, or recreational drug use.

· Dental misalignment - bite irregularities may cause clenching during sleep.

· Medical conditions - including Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, or ADHD.

It’s important to note that children sometimes grind their teeth as well, though most grow out of it by adulthood. If your child is grinding their teeth, a visit to the dentist in Christchurch is recommended.

Why teeth grinding shouldn’t be ignored

Bruxism isn’t just an annoyance; left untreated, it can cause significant and costly problems. Constant grinding weakens teeth, wearing enamel down to the point where sensitivity makes eating and drinking uncomfortable. Severe cases may even lead to an emergency dentist appointment in Christchurch because of tooth loss or the need for crowns, veneers, or implants.

The jaw joints and muscles also suffer from the prolonged tension. Long-term bruxism can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), causing chronic pain, restricted movement, and clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth. Poor sleep quality is another major concern, fragmented rest affects mood, concentration, and overall wellbeing.

Even if you’re uncertain whether bruxism is the culprit, arranging a consultation at 1 Health ensures you’ll receive expert guidance. With both doctors in Christchurch and dentists under one roof, you’ll benefit from a joined-up plan of care.

How can I stop grinding my teeth?

· Lifestyle changes

For mild cases, some people find relief through simple lifestyle adjustments. Reducing alcohol and caffeine, quitting smoking, and introducing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga can all help lower nighttime clenching. Good sleep hygiene, going to bed at a regular time and keeping screens out of the bedroom, also plays its part. However, while these strategies are supportive, they rarely solve the problem completely. That’s why professional assessment is essential.

Woman inserting clear aligner into teeth.

· Professional dental treatment at 1 Health

From the moment you arrive at our dental clinic in Hornby or Wigram, you’ll be looked after by a team that understands both your dental and wider health needs. Our dentists in Christchurch combine advanced technology with years of clinical expertise, while our GP Christchurch team can also assess related factors such as stress, sleep disorders, or medications that may be contributing. This integrated approach means you’re not just protecting your teeth, but improving your overall health.

At 1 Health, we provide comprehensive dental care that goes beyond guesswork. A bruxism consultation includes:

1. A full dental assessment to confirm if grinding is behind your symptoms and to look for signs of wear, cracks, or stress on your teeth.

2. A digital intra-oral scan so no messy impressions to design a night guard precisely tailored to your bite.

3. Fitting of your custom bite splint, with adjustments made to ensure comfort and effectiveness.

4. Practical advice on how and when to wear your guard, how to clean it, and when to return for follow-up.

The investment for a custom-fitted night mouth guard in Christchurch is $550. Cheaper shop-bought versions do exist; however, they don’t provide the same level of monitoring, comfort or protection. Over time, a professionally made guard is more cost-effective as it prevents expensive dental repair work.

Are you ready to stop the grind with 1 Health Christchurch?

The longer it goes untreated, the greater the risk to your teeth, jaw, and overall wellbeing. But the solution is straightforward: a professional assessment and a custom-fitted night guard designed to protect your smile. At 1 Health Christchurch, our team of dentists are ready to help you break the cycle of bruxism, improve your sleep, and safeguard your oral health.

Our clinic is more than just a dentist Christchurch. We provide private medical and dental care under one roof, so you don’t have to visit multiple providers. Our dental services include everything from emergency dentist Christchurch appointments and weekend dentist Christchurch availability to cosmetic options like veneers and professional teeth whitening.

Book your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief. Call 03 6629309 or click here to book your dental appointment online.

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A doctor with curly hair in a yellow dress consults with a patient at a desk; stethoscope, sharps container present.

Worried about your skin? When to book a skin cancer check in Christchurch

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