Bruxism

Protect Your Teeth

Treat Bruxism in Glendale to Protect Your Jaw

You'll wake up with less jaw pain and fewer morning headaches by protecting your teeth at night. We start by checking your teeth for worn edges and small chips, and we ask about how you sleep. Treating bruxism in Glendale centers on a custom-fitted mouthguard tailored to your bite. It cushions your teeth and eases pressure on your jaw while you rest.

Stopping the damage early helps you avoid cracked teeth and costly repairs down the road. Your jaw muscles also get a chance to relax. You may notice less tension in your face and neck. Since grinding can sometimes indicate sleep apnea, we'll watch for signs of airway trouble, too. Better sleep can leave you with more energy during the day.
Smiling woman in orange sweater handing card to receptionist at office counter with computer screen.
Elderly woman demonstrating facial exercises with fingers pointing to her cheeks in a bright room.

Recognize the Signs of Teeth Grinding

Many people grind their teeth in their sleep without knowing it. These common warning signs can help you tell:

  • Morning Jaw Soreness - Your jaw feels tired or tight when you wake up, even after a full night's rest.
  • Dull Headaches - You often start the day with an ache near your temples.
  • Worn or Chipped Teeth - Your teeth look flatter than they used to, or small chips show up along the edges.
  • Sudden Tooth Sensitivity - Hot or cold foods suddenly sting because grinding has worn away enamel.
  • Nighttime Noise - Your bed partner hears a grinding sound while you sleep.
  • Tongue Ridges - Small wavy marks appear along the sides of your tongue from pressing against your teeth.
Smiling woman in orange sweater handing card to receptionist at office counter with computer screen.
Elderly woman demonstrating facial exercises with fingers pointing to her cheeks in a bright room.

How Grinding Affects Your Teeth & Health

Teeth grinding needs attention because the pressure adds up night after night. Grinding can put several times the normal chewing force on your teeth.

Enamel wears thin, and small cracks can spread until a tooth needs a crown or even a root canal. The constant strain can also leave your jaw joint aching.

Grinding often stems from stress or an uneven bite. In some patients, it's linked to sleep apnea, which lowers your oxygen during sleep and puts extra strain on your heart.

Finding the cause lets us protect both your smile and your health. The sooner you get help, the less damage your teeth will face.

Reach out today to learn more about bruxism in Glendale.

Read Why Our Patients Love Us

If you have dental phobia: take that, multiply it by 10… then multiply *that* by 5. That’s about where I was. At least, until I found this dental practice. But from the very first interaction, the ENTIRE team here made me feel safe, seen, and completely unjudged. For the first time in my...
If you have dental phobia: take that, multiply it by 10… then multiply *that* by 5. That’s about where I was. At least, until I found this dental practice. But from the very first interaction, the ENTIRE team here made me feel safe, seen, and completely unjudged. For the first time in my adult life, I can genuinely say that fear has eased.

Melanie

Dr. Stanfield is amazing, he truly cares for his patients. Always greets you with a big smile and makes you feel comfortable! He has a great team starting from the front to the back! Love this dental office!

Monse C

If you’re searching for a team that is caring, patient, supportive, and actually listens - this is the place. To everyone at the practice: thank you for your kindness, compassion, and encouragement. You didn’t just fix my teeth, you helped heal a lifelong fear. Truly, you changed my life.

Melania

Great dentist office. The staff are amazing doctors are great. I've been a patient since 2005 haven't had no issues with any dental work. Glendale Gentle Dentistry are great with there patients. BEST PLACE TO COME DENTAL

Cruz L

The best experience at a dentist office I've ever had! Everyone is so kind. Heather was the best at making me comfortable since the phone call making the appointment. Definitely coming back!

Rosa M

This dentist is really nice, very competent and has good prices. Just got 2 teeth removed and a root canal, and I was honestly really surprised at how painless it was, relatively. I highly recommend Dr. Stanfield to anyone in the area.

Sephondranzer

Everyone's so nice and friendly when you come in and are super welcoming! They do their best to make sure you're comfortable and well taken care of and make you feel like you're in good hands.

Collette F

Very comfortable visit today. Dental assistant was friendly and understanding of my concerns. I would recommend this dentist to anyone that needs to be seen.

Ashley K

Had my first visit yesterday. Wonderful staff. Great doctor. I definitely enjoyed my experience which cannot always be said for a dental visit. Thanks doctor, you and your entire staff did a great job.

Thomas R

I am new to the area and this facility was fantastic, very warm and welcoming staff, understanding and professional all the way. Amanda did a fantastic job with the cleaning and was enthusiastically engaging, altogether a very pleasant experience!

Austin P

Great place to have your teeth clean, anything cosmetic and fix your cavities, I felt very comfortable during my appointment. The assistants and dr. Stanfield are super nice. I recommend this place

Cristal V

They made me feel very welcome and comfortable about my dental situation. Haven’t been to a dentist in 14 years and was always insecure about my dental hygiene.

Alexis V

Frequently Asked Questions About Bruxism

What is bruxism? 

Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, either during sleep or while awake. Many people with bruxism don't realize they do it. With repeated grinding, the extra force can wear down enamel and crack teeth. It can also strain the jaw muscles and cause morning headaches or facial soreness.

What causes bruxism? 
Bruxism usually stems from a mix of causes rather than one single trigger. Stress and anxiety are among the most common. Sleep problems like sleep apnea can also play a role. An uneven bite may contribute, too. Caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime can also make grinding worse, and so can some medications.

How can a person tell if they grind their teeth at night? 

A person can often tell they grind their teeth at night by noticing how they feel in the morning. Waking with a sore jaw or a dull headache near the temples is a common clue. A partner may hear grinding sounds during sleep. A dentist can also spot flattened or chipped teeth during an exam.

Can bruxism damage teeth? 

Bruxism can seriously damage teeth because grinding puts several times the normal chewing force on them. Enamel can wear thin, which leads to sensitivity and a flatter look. Small cracks may form and spread deeper into the tooth. Badly damaged teeth may need bonding or crowns, and deep cracks can require a root canal.

How does a night guard help with bruxism? 

A night guard helps with bruxism by placing a protective layer between the upper and lower teeth during sleep. The guard absorbs the force of grinding so the teeth don't wear against each other. It also eases pressure on the jaw muscles and joint. Many patients notice fewer morning headaches within a few weeks.