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Village Dental · Patient-centered care

Teeth Grinding & Bruxism Care in Raleigh & Wake Forest

Notice the signs. Protect your teeth.

Worn teeth, a tired jaw, or a partner hearing nighttime grinding can be reasons to visit the dentist. Village Dental helps patients across Raleigh, North Raleigh, Brier Creek, and Wake Forest assess tooth wear and discuss a practical care plan.

Choose your officeCall (919) 500-5722
Clear dental night guard beside an open sage-green storage case
Illustrative image; not an actual patient or treatment result.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is repeated grinding or clenching of the teeth. It can happen while you are awake or asleep, sometimes without you noticing. Care focuses on evaluating contributing factors, protecting teeth when needed, and addressing damage or symptoms. A custom night guard may protect teeth, but it does not guarantee that grinding will stop.

Look for wear

Check teeth and existing restorations for damage that may need attention.

Recognize patterns

Discuss daytime clenching, nighttime grinding, and factors worth investigating.

Protect and monitor

Consider an appropriate appliance and follow-up when your findings support it.
Illustration of a clear upper night guard creating a protective barrier between the teeth
Illustration of an upper night guard that helps protect teeth from grinding and clenching.

How can you tell if you grind your teeth?

Possible signs include flattened or chipped teeth, sensitivity, jaw fatigue, or a partner hearing grinding during sleep. These signs are not specific to bruxism. An exam helps distinguish grinding wear from other dental problems and determine whether treatment is necessary.

Bring an existing mouthguard if you have one. Note when symptoms occur and whether you notice clenching while concentrating, driving, or working. A brief record of your observations can make the appointment more useful.

Awake clenching and sleep grinding

Daytime awareness can help you recognize a habit of holding the teeth together. Your clinician may discuss reminders and strategies to relax the jaw. Nighttime grinding requires a different conversation because you cannot simply remind yourself to stop while sleeping.

Stress, sleep concerns, certain medications, and other factors may be relevant. Share your health history without changing prescribed medication on your own. Snoring or breathing pauses should be discussed with a medical professional, since a night guard does not diagnose or treat every sleep problem.

Your appointment

What to expect at your visit

1. Review symptomsDiscuss wear, jaw comfort, sleep observations, and medical history.
2. Examine your teethCheck restorations, tooth surfaces, and areas of tenderness.
3. Plan protectionConsider monitoring, habit changes, an appliance, or further evaluation as appropriate.

When might bruxism care include a night guard?

Bruxism care starts with understanding your clenching or grinding pattern, checking for damage, and considering contributing factors. A custom guard may be part of that plan when your teeth need protection. It does not guarantee that grinding will stop.

Village Dental offers custom-fitted guards at all four offices. For the appliance itself, visit our custom bite guards and night guards page to learn about impressions, fitting, adjustments, cleaning, and replacement. A sports mouthguard serves a different purpose and should not automatically be used for nighttime grinding.

What if grinding has already damaged a tooth?

The repair depends on the damage. A small defect may be suitable for a composite restoration; more extensive damage may need a crown or other care. Ask how a proposed repair and any protective appliance fit into the same plan.

Costs depend on the evaluation, appliance, and repairs required. Ask whether fitting visits and adjustments are included, and review insurance and payment options. Persistent jaw pain or locking should also be evaluated; learn about TMD and jaw-joint symptoms.

Get to know your dental team

Why Village Dental?

Four neighborhood offices in Olde Raleigh, North Raleigh, Brier Creek, and Wake Forest.

Protection with follow-up

Our dentists evaluate tooth wear and offer custom-fitted night guards at all four offices when appropriate. Fitting, adjustments, and ongoing checks help you understand how the appliance fits your care plan.

Care close to home

Raleigh, North Raleigh, Brier Creek & Wake Forest

Choose a convenient Village Dental office. When scheduling, confirm the appropriate clinician, treatment availability, and any consultation or referral needs.

Answers to common questions

Teeth Grinding & Bruxism: FAQs

Can I grind my teeth without knowing it?
Yes. Grinding can happen during sleep or while concentrating. A partner may notice sounds, or a dental exam may reveal wear. Tooth wear alone does not establish the cause.
Does everyone with bruxism need a night guard?
No. Mild cases may only need monitoring. The decision depends on tooth damage, symptoms, risk, and the findings of an examination. Discuss the reasons for any appliance recommendation.
Will a night guard stop teeth grinding?
A guard creates a protective barrier between the teeth. It may help limit damage, but it does not reliably remove all causes of grinding or guarantee that the habit will stop.
Can grinding cause headaches or jaw pain?
Grinding and clenching may occur with jaw fatigue or headache, but those symptoms have many possible causes. Persistent pain should be assessed rather than attributed to bruxism without an examination.
What should I bring to a teeth-grinding evaluation?
Bring your current guard if you have one, a medication list, and notes about symptoms. A partner’s observations about grinding, snoring, or breathing pauses can also help guide the discussion.
Where can I get help with teeth grinding near Brier Creek or Wake Forest?
Village Dental has offices in Brier Creek, Wake Forest, North Raleigh, and Olde Raleigh. Contact your preferred office to arrange an evaluation and discuss appliance or repair options appropriate to your findings.
Related care

Explore your next steps

Custom night guardsReview appliance fitting and care.Learn more →TMJ & TMD treatmentLearn why ongoing jaw pain needs its own assessment.Learn more →Composite fillingsExplore repairs for appropriate small areas of damage.Learn more →

View all dental services · Meet our dentists

Patient education from Village Dental · Content updated . Your dentist will tailor recommendations to your examination and health history.

Further reading:

NIDCR: bruxismNHS: teeth grindingMayo Clinic: bruxism diagnosis and treatment

Find out what is causing the wear.

Book a dental evaluation to discuss grinding, clenching, and protection for your smile.

Choose your officeCall (919) 500-5722
Olde Raleigh · North Raleigh · Brier Creek · Wake Forest