Can Bruxism Go Away On Its Own?
We've all had those moments when we notice a bruise, scratch, or even a cold and think, I'll just wait it out; it'll heal on its own. The same goes for when we start noticing signs of bruxism. Many of us assume it's just stress or too much caffeine affecting our sleep, so we let it pass and expect it to fade on its own.
What most people don't realize is that bruxism isn't that simple. It requires the right understanding and a little bit of effort to manage it. In this blog, we'll uncover the science behind bruxism, whether it can really go away on its own, and how ClearClub can help you protect your smile (and sleep) with our custom-fit options.
📑 Table of Contents
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for an oral condition in which a person grates or grinds their teeth together, imitating a noise similar to chewing ice. It usually lasts for a few seconds during the early stages of the non-REM sleep cycle. According to the Sleep Foundation, the prevalence of bruxism varies by age group — about 15% among adolescents, 8% among middle-aged adults, and 3% among older adults.
The Mayo Clinic identifies two types of bruxism: awake bruxism and sleep bruxism. The former occurs when a person experiences intense emotions during wake hours, while the latter happens only at night. Each type differs in its causes and when it occurs.
Can Bruxism Go Away on Its Own — or Does It Need Treatment?
Short answer: No, bruxism doesn't naturally stop occurring. Although mild teeth grinding can often be eased with simple lifestyle tweaks, long-term or chronic bruxism usually calls for a more thoughtful, targeted approach. The best way to deal with bruxism is to understand what causes it first, then the rightful solution would follow.
Stress and anxiety are two of the most common risks for bruxism. When your body's under pressure, it often finds subtle ways to release tension — and for many people, that means involuntarily clenching or grinding their teeth. Several mental and medical conditions like depression, OCD, or Tourette's syndrome can also contribute. Bruxism is even connected to sleep-related problems such as tinnitus and sleep apnea, which can make it harder to get truly restful sleep.
Simply put, bruxism rarely goes away on its own. If you find yourself constantly grinding or clenching your teeth, a mouth guard made for bruxism can help protect your teeth and bring long-term comfort.
How Do You Stop Bruxism Naturally?
#1: Night Guards: Your First Line of Defense Against Teeth Grinding
Ever wonder just how strong your jaw really is when you're grinding your teeth? The MSD Manual notes that your jaw can exert up to 250 pounds of force while clenching. Without a night guard for sleep bruxism to absorb the pressure, that constant grinding can gradually wear down your enamel. create tiny cracks, and leave your jaw feeling sore when you wake up. A properly fitted guard works like a cushion, protecting your teeth — and your sleep — night after night.
#2: Manage Stress Before It Manages Your Bruxism
We get it — stress is hard to escape, especially when daily life throws challenges your way, whether at school, work, or home. Learning to manage it can make a real difference. Some effective stress management techniques include simple breathing exercises, moving your body more often, meditation, and finding a healthy balance between socializing and taking time for yourself. This may help you minimize teeth clenching and grinding during sleep.
#3: Practice Good Sleep Hygiene to Minimize Nighttime Grinding
Since bruxism is often linked to stress, it's worth noting that poor sleep can raise your cortisol levels, the hormone that fuels stress. Studies show that sleep deprivation makes people more prone to feeling stressed, angry, or anxious. Taking care of your sleep by going to bed earlier, limiting screen time before bed, and winding down with relaxing activities can help reduce nighttime teeth grinding.
#4: Regularly Monitor Your Teeth for Signs of Wear
Consistent teeth grinding can slowly wear down your teeth over time. While a dentist can help you understand how severe the damage is, using a custom night guard at home gives you daily protection and helps prevent further wear from bruxism.
Experience Lasting Relief from Bruxism with ClearClub Custom Night Guards
If you've been noticing signs of bruxism, whether in the morning or throughout your day, it might be time to consider a custom night guard to assist with teeth grinding and clenching. ClearClub provides a wide range of night guards and mouthguards customized specifically to your needs.
From our seamless Clear Custom Night Guard, to our bold Color and Multi-Color Night Guards, and even our durable Sports Mouthguard, ClearClub gives you options that match your lifestyle and comfort. Each one is created from FDA-approved, BPA-free, latex-free and non-allergenic materials, ensuring both safety and comfort with every wear. If you loved your first guard, you can also subscribe to our renewal plan for easy replacements whenever you need them!
Protect your teeth, rest easy, and let ClearClub do the work while you sleep. Order today!
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How do I know if I have bruxism?
Some common symptoms of bruxism include waking up with headaches, facial pain, a sore jaw, ringing in the ears, difficulty yawning or eating, and poor sleep quality. You might also notice flat or chipped teeth. Sometimes, a loved one may even be the first to notice the grinding sounds while you sleep.
❓ Can bruxism go away on its own?
In most cases, no. Bruxism doesn’t usually go away on its own. It requires stress management techniques, healthier lifestyle habits, and a high-quality custom night guard to protect your teeth while you work on reducing its triggers.
❓ What happens when you don’t treat your bruxism?
Not treating bruxism can lead to several oral health complications, including tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and even damage to dental restorations. Addressing it early can save you from unnecessary stress — and costly dental repairs later on.
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