Daytime vs. Nighttime Bruxism: What Causes It, What It Means, and How to Treat It

Bruxism is one sneaky habit. You could be stressing over a test you’ve been dreading for months — and suddenly, you’re clenching your teeth without even noticing. Or maybe you’re lying in bed, hoping for a peaceful night’s sleep, only to wake up with a sore jaw and a pounding headache.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between daytime and nighttime bruxism, what commonly triggers each type, and how the right mouthguard can help reduce teeth grinding, ease stress, and even improve your sleep quality.

Bruxism is a condition where a person unconsciously grinds, clenches, or gnashes their teeth — often putting excessive pressure on the jaw. It can occur during the day or night and may lead to persistent discomfort, jaw pain, and even dental damage over time.

According to the Mayo Clinic , bruxism can cause long-term effects such as:

• Tooth damage – flattened, fractured, or worn-down enamel
• Functional discomfort – chronic headaches, jaw soreness, and earaches
• Heightened tooth sensitivity – especially to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli
• Disrupted sleep – particularly with nighttime grinding episodes

Managing the symptoms of bruxism starts with understanding when and why it happens — which we’ll explore in the next section.

Need a quick refresher on what bruxism is? Check out: What Is Bruxism, and How Can ClearClub Help?

Daytime bruxism typically occurs during periods of high stress, deep concentration, or intense emotions like anger or frustration. People experiencing this type of bruxism may unconsciously grind their teeth or clench their jaws during anxiety-inducing, mentally demanding, or physically exertive situations, such as:

• Job interviews or performance reviews
• Difficult conversations or high-conflict meetings
• Working under tight deadlines or cramming for exams
• Performing physical labor (e.g., lifting, warehouse work)
• Engaging in intense workouts or competitive sports
• Operating under physical strain (e.g., dance, martial arts, military drills)

Also known as wake bruxism, this form of clenching happens subconsciously and can affect anyone. According to the National Library of Medicine, an estimated 22.1% to 31% of the population experiences it.

Want more protection during work hours, workouts, or stressful situations? Check out this blog next: The Dayguard: Protecting Your Teeth When You're Not Asleep

On the other hand, nighttime bruxism occurs while you're asleep. It's classified as a sleep-related movement disorder and is often linked to other conditions like snoring or sleep apnea. Stress and anxiety are the most common triggers, along with certain lifestyle habits and medications. Unlike daytime bruxism, this type is entirely unconscious — making it more difficult to detect.

Managing stress is easier said than done, but even small efforts can make a big difference. Breathing exercises, taking walks, and staying active are simple yet effective ways to release built-up tension, which can help reduce both daytime and nighttime bruxism.

Looking for more ways to ease stress and lessen the impact of bruxism? Check out this blog: Seven Ways to Mitigate Bruxism By Reducing Stress

2. Stay Protected in Social Settings

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Worried your mouthguard might steal the spotlight in every convo? Try something more discreet. ClearClub’s Clear Custom Night Guard is a near-invisible, durable option that’s comfortable enough for daytime wear, even in social settings. It's a simple way to manage daytime bruxism without drawing attention.

3. Prioritize Nutrient-Rich, Whole Foods

What you eat plays a major role in how your body handles stress. Cutting back on sugar, caffeine, and alcohol can help regulate your nervous system and lower the chances of stress-related teeth grinding.

Want to know which foods actually help take the edge off? Read this next: Seven Dietary Tips to Mitigate Your Stress Levels

4. Limit Stressful Media Exposure

Staying informed matters, but constant exposure to distressing news, doomscrolling, or emotionally charged content can quietly raise your stress levels. Taking breaks from the news or curating your social feed can help reduce tension and lower your risk of stress-related bruxism. Cutting back on screen time before bed can also improve your sleep quality, further reducing the chances of grinding your teeth at night.

5. Don't Lose Sleep — or Your Mouthguard

   

Mouthguards are one of the best defenses against bruxism. They won’t stop the grinding, but they cushion your teeth to reduce damage and discomfort. If you prefer something that is easier to find at night, ClearClub’s Color Night Guards or Multi-Color Night Guards are the best mouthguards for teeth grinding, low-light bedrooms, and nighttime use.

Bruxism might be a sneaky habit, but you’re sneakier. Learning what triggers it during the day or night is step one. Step two? Protect your teeth with our reliable night guards for bruxism or get fresh replacements delivered to your door through our renewal plan.

Be prepared for your next grinding episode — whether it hits at work or while you sleep. Shop our best-sellers today!

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