What’s Causing Your Morning Headaches?

Waking up with a headache is a frustrating way to start your day, especially when it happens regularly. While several factors can trigger morning headaches, nighttime teeth grinding is one of the most common causes, and most people don’t realize they’re suffering because of it. Understanding the connection between teeth grinding and headaches can help you find relief that actually lasts. Read on to learn more.

Understanding Bruxism & Morning Headaches

Bruxism means you’re clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep, usually without realizing it. The muscles around your jaw and temples work constantly through the night, and by morning, they’re exhausted and achy. Many patients tell us they’ve dealt with morning headaches for years before discovering bruxism is the cause.

We can spot bruxism during dental exams by looking at your teeth. Flattened edges, small chips, or unusual wear patterns indicate nighttime grinding activity you’re not aware of. Once you know what’s causing the headaches, you can fix the problem instead of simply managing your symptoms.

Nightguards for Overnight Protection

A custom nightguard fits over your teeth and creates a cushion between your upper and lower jaws while you sleep. The nightguard absorbs the forces grinding produces so your teeth don’t make direct contact, protecting tooth enamel and reducing stress on your jaw. Most people notice their jaw feels less tense after the first night.

A properly fitted nightguard positions your jaw more naturally, taking pressure off your temporomandibular joints. As an added benefit, a nightguard may improve your breathing during sleep and help you rest more soundly. Many patients report waking up less frequently at night once they start using a nightguard.

Signs you might be grinding your teeth:

• Waking up with a headache, especially around your temples
• Jaw soreness or tightness in the morning
• Your partner mentions hearing grinding sounds at night
• Worn, chipped, or flattened teeth
• Increased tooth sensitivity

A custom nightguard from us stays in place all night without slipping or feeling uncomfortable. Over-the-counter nightguards from the drugstore don’t fit as well and often irritate your gums or fall out during sleep. A professional-grade nightguard makes consistent wear easier, which leads to lasting results.

Benefits of Consistent Nightguard Use

When you wear a nightguard, your jaw muscles get complete rest overnight, and your morning headaches stop. Your teeth keep their shape and strength, helping you avoid major restorative work down the road. This simple preventive step protects your smile’s appearance and function.

Sleep quality improves over a few weeks as grinding episodes become less frequent and intense. If you have a partner, they’ll probably appreciate the quieter nights too. Better sleep affects everything from your mood to how sharp you feel during the day.

Fitting & Maintaining Your Nightguard

We take digital impressions during your office visit and design a nightguard that matches your specific bite and jaw shape. We’ll schedule a follow-up to fine-tune the fit if needed, making sure it’s comfortable enough to wear every night. Cleaning takes just seconds with mild soap and a soft brush.

How to care for your nightguard:

• Rinse it with cool water each morning
• Clean it with mild soap and a soft brush daily
• Store it in the ventilated case between uses
• Bring it to regular dental checkups for inspection
• Replace it when wear patterns develop (typically after 1-3 years)

Keep your nightguard in its case when you’re not wearing it to prevent warping or damage. We’ll check it during your regular dental visits and adjust it as your jaw adapts over time. These simple steps keep your guard working effectively with minimal effort.

Schedule your evaluation today at our Westchester, OH office to see whether a nightguard could improve your mornings.