How do dentists look for symptoms of teeth grinding in the night?

Signs of wear: Night grinding or bruxism can be seen in the wear patterns on the back teeth (molars). The dentist will observe flat areas on the teeth that normally are ridges. Patients usually report sore jaws or muscles in the morning and their partners note noisy grinding during sleep.

Wear on front teeth: You will also see a slight wear of your anterior (front) teeth both upper and lower. If you happen to see the dentin (the yellow stuff inside the tooth), it means you have worn off through your enamel. This is not a good sign. Ideally, a good, professionally fabricated night guard or bite guard could avoid this problem. If the problem persists, and your bite is not corrected, you may need crowns.

Wear, mobility, TMJ: 3 signs: 1. Significant wear of the enamel. Teeth "age" prematurely. In the back cusps flatten. In the front sharp biting edges dull down. 2. Sometimes grinding can cause bone loss and then teeth become mobile. 3. Grinding and clenching can cause or contribute to jaw joint dysfunction. See your dentist about night guard or check-up by an orthodontist.