Teeth Grinding Is The New Tension Headache And Here’s How To Fix It

You’re doing all the right things: gua sha before bed, silk pillowcases, herbal tea instead of espresso. But you’re still waking up with a sore jaw, a dull headache, and teeth that feel like they’ve done a night shift. Sound familiar? Welcome to the club, where teeth grinding is the new tension headache. Known medically as bruxism, teeth grinding has become the silent side effect of modern stress, screen overload, and that “always on” mentality. And while it might not be as obvious as a breakout or frown line, the damage it causes to your smile and overall wellness is very real.

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So, Why Are We Grinding Our Teeth?

Blame it on stress, anxiety, or even poor sleep habits. Many people grind or clench their teeth while sleeping, without even knowing it. Over time, this unconscious habit can lead to:

• Headaches and facial tension
• Jaw soreness or TMJ discomfort
• Worn-down or cracked teeth
• Tooth sensitivity
• Flattened bite and a prematurely aged smile

Even worse? Grinding at night often goes unnoticed until your dentist sees the signs—or you wake up wondering why your face feels like it did a 5K overnight.

Fix It Before It Wears You Down

The good news? Bruxism is treatable, and you don’t have to suffer in silence. Here are a few ways to hit pause on the grind:

• Custom Night Guards: These dentist-designed protectors create a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Unlike over-the-counter versions, custom guards are molded to your bite for maximum comfort and protection.
• Botox for Bruxism: Yes, Botox isn't just for smoothing wrinkles. When injected into the jaw muscles (masseter), Botox helps relax the overworked area, reducing clenching and grinding without affecting your ability to chew or smile.
• Better Sleep Hygiene: Grinding often goes hand in hand with poor sleep quality. Try winding down with calming rituals: think no screens before bed, magnesium supplements, or a warm bath to ease your body into rest mode.
• Stress Management: The root cause of bruxism is often psychological. Mindfulness, yoga, and even short daily walks can reduce the anxiety and tension behind nighttime grinding.

Don’t Let Bruxism Ruin Your Smile

If you’re waking up with a sore jaw or suspect you’re grinding your teeth, don’t brush it off. Left untreated, bruxism can age your smile, damage your enamel, and lead to chronic discomfort.

Book a consultation with Dr. Marianna Farber to get a personalized evaluation and treatment plan. Whether you need a custom night guard, Botox therapy, or a full smile rehab, she’ll help you take the pressure off—literally.

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