Grinding at night may be sleep bruxism. You may not notice it yourself: sometimes someone close to you hears it. A dental examination checks for consequences and helps choose a response, particularly with pain or damaged teeth.
What the noise can tell you
Someone else's observation is useful information, but does not measure muscle activity's intensity or duration. Conversely, clenching does not necessarily produce a grinding sound. The sleep and awake forms of bruxism are distinguished in the international consensus. International consensus on bruxism, Lobbezoo et al., 2018.
- Note nights when grinding is reported to you.
- Describe sensations on waking in your own words.
- Mention recent changes in sleep, medicines or appliances worn.
- Bring your current guard and instructions to the appointment if you have one.
Why does it happen during sleep?
Studies describe several associated factors and variation between individuals. Alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and some psychotropic medicines feature in Melo and colleagues' review. This list is not a test for identifying a cause independently. Bruxism: umbrella review, Melo et al., 2019.
To prepare for this discussion, read about factors associated with bruxism. Do not stop prescribed treatment because of a statistical association: instead, report symptom onset to the prescriber.
What should you do first?
The first appointment allows you to describe your concerns and have your teeth examined. Sleep symptoms may warrant medical referral; a protective appliance does not replace investigation of a night-time breathing problem. NIDCR, expert questions on bruxism, 2025.
| Your question | Useful discussion |
|---|---|
| I want to know whether my teeth are damaged | Dental examination and comparison over time |
| I want to stop every episode | Realistic goals and treatment limitations |
| My appliance hurts | Assessment of the appliance and pain |
| I snore and sleep poorly | Sleep assessment to discuss with a doctor |
Does a guard stop the noise?
This should not be promised. A guard places material between the arches and may be proposed for protection. Reviews cannot guarantee elimination of bruxism. The guide to choosing a bruxism guard explains models, limitations and checks.
MyoProtect, MyoForce's impression-based guard
MyoProtect is a custom guard made from a home impression. Its construction combines a hard outer layer and soft inner layer, 3 mm thick overall. Its listed price is €90. These features describe the product; they do not establish superior effectiveness or an end to bruxism.
View MyoProtect and its features to check the offer and prepare your questions.
If your child is grinding
Appliance choice and monitoring must suit dentition and growth. The guide to bruxism in children presents observations to share with the dentist without recommending an adult guard.
Common questions
How can I stop grinding at night immediately?
No method presented here guarantees this. Start by identifying consequences and factors to examine, then define follow-up.
Does a worn guard mean I am cured?
No. Appliance condition alone cannot measure bruxism. Have its integrity and fit checked.
Can I wait without consulting?
Arrange an appointment for pain, a damaged tooth or persistent discomfort. Treatment needs depend on examination, not noise alone.
Sources and update
- International consensus on bruxism, Lobbezoo et al., 2018
- Bruxism: umbrella review, Melo et al., 2019
- Splints and sleep bruxism, Cochrane, 2007
- Splints, pain and wear: NIHR review, Riley et al., 2020
- NIDCR, expert questions on bruxism, 2025
Written by Dr Vladimir Khourda. Updated: 1 October 2026. This information helps explain the options; appliance choice depends on your dental circumstances.