Grinding or Clenching Teeth? Jaw Feels Tight?
If you wake up with a sore jaw, tight face, or aching teeth, you might be grinding or clenching your teeth — even if you don’t realize it. Known as bruxism, this habit can lead to jaw pain, headaches, worn-down teeth, and long-term damage if left untreated.

Listen to Dr. Sami's take on clenching and grinding

Signs You May Be Grinding or Clenching:
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Jaw feels tight or tired, especially in the morning
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Clicking, popping, or pain in the jaw joint (TMJ)
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Frequent headaches or facial soreness
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Tooth sensitivity or flattened tooth surfaces
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Neck or shoulder tightness
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A partner hears you grinding at night
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Why It Happens: Stress, Sleep & Your Bite
Bruxism isn’t just about bad habits — it’s often tied to deeper causes, such as:
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Stress and anxiety – subconscious tension builds up in the jaw
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Sleep disturbances – including sleep apnea or poor sleep quality
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Bite alignment – when your teeth or jaw don’t come together evenly
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Posture – forward head posture and screen time contribute to muscle overuse
Even if you only grind occasionally, chronic tension in your jaw muscles can trigger a cycle of discomfort and inflammation.​​
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Relief Starts with the Right Treatment
At Colorado TMJ and Facial Pain, we specialize in helping patients manage bruxism and jaw tension with customized, non-invasive care. We offer personalized solutions to relieve jaw tension, protect your teeth, and help you wake up pain-free.
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Our treatments include:​
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Custom Oral Appliances (Custom Occlusal Orthotics)
Comfortable devices worn during sleep to reduce clenching, relax your jaw, and prevent tooth damage. -
Botox for Jaw Tension
A safe, targeted way to calm overactive jaw muscles and reduce tightness. -
Trigger Point Injections
In-office therapy for muscle knots that contribute to jaw and facial pain. -
Laser Therapy
A gentle, drug-free option to relieve inflammation and promote healing. -
Stress Management & Sleep Support
Guidance on improving your sleep habits, posture, and lifestyle to prevent flare-ups.