Posted on February 6, 2026 by Associates Of Dentistry LLC

Waking up with aching teeth or a sore jaw is a red flag that something is stressing your mouth while you sleep. One of the most common culprits is nighttime teeth grinding, also called bruxism, but other issues can be involved as well.

Why Your Teeth Hurt in the Morning

If your teeth hurt when you first wake up and then feel a bit better as the day goes on, nighttime grinding or clenching is a strong possibility. When you grind, your teeth and jaw muscles absorb heavy forces for hours, leading to soreness, stiffness, and sensitivity.

Other contributors can include:

• TMJ (jaw joint) problems causing referred pain into the teeth.
• Sinus pressure affecting upper back teeth.
• Cavities, gum disease, or tooth infections that feel worse when you’ve been lying down.

Because these issues can overlap, a professional exam is the safest way to pinpoint the true cause.

How to Know if You Grind Your Teeth at Night

You rarely catch yourself grinding because it happens during sleep, but your body leaves clues. Common signs include:

• Sore, tired jaw muscles or morning headaches.
• Teeth that look flat, chipped, or shorter than they used to.
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or biting pressure.
• Jaw clicking, popping, or limited opening.

Often, a partner hears grinding sounds at night, or your dentist spots wear patterns and tiny fractures that strongly suggest bruxism.

Why do People Grind Their Teeth at Night

Nighttime bruxism usually isn’t about “bad habits” and often has several underlying triggers. Common factors include:

• Stress and anxiety: Emotional tension is one of the strongest links to grinding and clenching.
• Sleep disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea and fragmented sleep are frequently associated with bruxism.
• Bite alignment issues: When teeth don’t fit together smoothly, the jaw may overwork during sleep as it tries to find a stable position.
• Substances: Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, and certain medications can increase grinding risk for some people.

Understanding your personal triggers helps your dentist build a plan that treats more than just the symptoms.

How to Stop Grinding Teeth at Night

Effective relief usually combines protection for your teeth with changes that lower stress on your jaw.

Helpful steps include:

• Custom night guard: A professionally made appliance fits over your teeth to absorb grinding forces and protect enamel and fillings.
• Stress management: Relaxation routines, breathing exercises, an managing your overall wellbeing can reduce nighttime clenching driven by anxiety.
• Sleep hygiene: A consistent schedule, limiting caffeine and alcohol before bed, and addressing snoring or possible sleep apnea can all help.
• Jaw-friendly habits: Avoid chewing ice, pens, or very tough foods, and practice keeping lips together, teeth apart, and tongue resting lightly on the roof of the mouth.

At Associates of Dentistry in Joplin, MO, your dentist can tailor these strategies to your situation and coordinate with your physician or sleep specialist if needed.

Repairing Teeth Damaged by Grinding

The good news: even “grinded” or worn teeth can often be restored. Depending on the extent of damage, grinded teeth repair treatment might include:

• Tooth-colored bonding to rebuild small chips and edges.
• Crowns to strengthen cracked or heavily worn teeth.
• Bite adjustments or orthodontic referrals if your bite is contributing to the problem.

Repairing the damage while also protecting your teeth with a night guard can improve comfort, function, and appearance for the long term.

If you wake up asking, “Why do my teeth hurt when I wake up?” or suspect you grind at night, don’t ignore it. Contact Associates of Dentistry in Joplin, MO to schedule an evaluation. Our team can identify what’s causing your morning discomfort, create a personalized plan to stop nighttime grinding, and repair any damage so you can wake up with a healthier, more comfortable smile.