Do you wake up with severe TMJ pain, sore teeth, or a pounding headache in the morning? No, your spouse isn’t kickboxing in their sleep…well, probably not. It’s more likely that you’re grinding your teeth.

Nocturnal grinding is a common habit. Hard to know just how common it is because so many people have absolutely no idea that they’re doing it. The best way to find out if you are grinding your teeth? Ask your bed partner if they’ve ever heard you doing it. It’s likely you’re a grinder if you experience bad headaches in the morning, prolonged tooth sensitivity or regular jaw pain.

If you have these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist. A dentist can order a custom mouth guard that to protect your teeth from the painful effects of nocturnal grinding.