10955 Teeth Grinding Bruxism

Overview

Bruxism is when you clench, grind, or gnash your teeth. It can happen while you are awake or asleep. Many people grind their teeth now and then, but when it happens often, it can cause jaw pain, headaches, and damage to your teeth.

Yes, bruxism is fairly common. It affects both children and adults, and many people only find out about it from a dentist or a partner who hears the grinding at night.

It can affect anyone, but it is more common in children, young adults, and people who are under a lot of stress. It also seems to run in families. Adults with sleep disorders like sleep apnoea are more likely to grind their teeth.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Grinding or clenching teeth, often noticed by a partner at night
• Worn-down, flattened, or chipped teeth
• Jaw pain, stiffness, or soreness
• Dull headache in the temples or around the ears
• Earache without an ear infection
• Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Disturbed sleep or tiredness in the morning

Symptoms in children

• Grinding is very common in children, especially during sleep.
• It often happens around teething or growth spurts and usually goes away on its own.
• Some children wake with jaw soreness or headaches.
• In most cases, it does not cause lasting damage.

Symptoms in older adults

• Bruxism in older adults may be linked to missing teeth, ill-fitting dentures, or other dental problems.
• It can make chewing and talking more uncomfortable.
• Some medicines (not named here) may cause jaw clenching as a side effect.
• Grinding can worsen existing tooth wear and jaw joint issues.

Causes

Main causes

• Stress and anxiety
• Sleep problems, such as snoring or sleep apnoea
• An abnormal bite or misaligned teeth
• Habits like chewing on pens or biting nails
• Use of alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco, especially before bed
• Some medicines can cause clenching as a side effect

Risk factors

• Being a child or young adult
• High levels of stress or an anxious personality
• Family history of bruxism
• Other sleep disorders
• Regularly drinking alcohol or taking caffeinated drinks in the evening

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe, constant jaw pain that is not relieved by rest or over-the-counter pain relief.
• If you have fever, swelling, or redness near your jaw or face.
• If you cannot open your mouth fully or have a locked jaw.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you grind or clench your teeth most nights or most days.
• If you wake up with headaches, jaw ache, or earache.
• If your partner notices loud grinding sounds at night.
• If you notice worn, chipped, or sensitive teeth.
• If your child grinds their teeth and has pain or trouble chewing.

Diagnosis

A doctor or dentist can usually diagnose bruxism by asking about your symptoms, examining your teeth and jaw, and checking for tenderness in the jaw muscles. They may also ask about your sleep habits, stress levels, and whether your partner has heard grinding sounds.

Tests that may be done

• A thorough dental examination to look for worn enamel, cracks, or loose teeth.
• X-rays of the teeth and jaw to check for damage beneath the gums.
• A sleep study (polysomnography) if the doctor suspects sleep apnoea or severe night-time grinding.

What to expect at your appointment

The appointment will be straightforward. Your doctor or dentist will ask about your symptoms and daily habits, then look inside your mouth and gently press on your jaw muscles. They may take X-rays to check for hidden wear. Based on the findings, they will talk with you about protecting your teeth and managing any pain.

Treatment

Treatment for bruxism focuses on three things: protecting your teeth from wear, easing jaw pain and muscle tension, and addressing the underlying causes, such as stress or sleep problems. For many people, a custom-made night guard or splint is the main treatment.

Self-care at home

• Place a warm, damp cloth on your jaw for 10–15 minutes when it feels sore.
• Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga before bed.
• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening.
• Avoid chewing gum, ice, pens, or other non-food items.
• Invest in a good sleep routine: go to bed at a similar time each night and keep your bedroom calm and dark.
• If you catch yourself clenching during the day, gently rest your tongue at the roof of your mouth and let your jaw relax.

Medical treatments

Your dentist may recommend a custom-made mouthguard or splint to wear at night. This is a plastic device that stops your teeth from grinding against each other and reduces jaw strain. For stress-related bruxism, talking therapy or counselling can help. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe short-term muscle relaxants (as a class of medicine, not a specific brand) to help the jaw relax. There are also dental treatments to correct bite alignment if that is contributing. Always speak to your doctor or dentist about the options that are right for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for bruxism itself. It may be considered only for severe jaw joint problems (sometimes called TMJ disorders) that do not improve with other treatments. This would be discussed in detail with a specialist.

Living with this condition

Living with bruxism often means building habits that help your jaw rest and relax. If your dentist has given you a mouthguard, wear it as advised. Pay attention to times when you clench during the day, and try to pause and relax your jaw. Communicate with your dentist regularly so they can check for any wear on your teeth.

Lifestyle tips

• Exercise regularly to reduce stress, but avoid jaw-clenching during heavy lifting.
• Limit caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks, especially before bedtime.
• Practice mindfulness or journaling to lower anxiety.
• Set a consistent sleep schedule and avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before bed.
• Take breaks during the day to stretch your neck and shoulders, which can ease jaw tension.

Diet and exercise

If your jaw is sore, choose soft foods like yoghurt, soups, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. Avoid crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods. Cut food into small pieces and chew gently. Gentle jaw stretches and neck rolls can help, but stop if they cause pain. Regular walking, swimming, or cycling is great for stress relief, but be mindful not to clench your jaw during intense activity.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Constant jaw pain and disturbed sleep can make you feel tired, irritable, or anxious. It is normal to feel frustrated. Stress is both a cause and a result of bruxism, so taking care of your mental health matters. If you are feeling overwhelmed or are in a crisis, reach out to a local mental health service or crisis line. You don't have to cope alone.

Prevention

Bruxism cannot always be prevented, but you can lower your chances by managing stress, keeping a regular sleep routine, and avoiding substances like alcohol and too much caffeine. Regular dental check-ups help catch signs of grinding early so you can protect your teeth with a guard if needed.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for bruxism.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for bruxism, but your dentist will often notice signs of grinding during a check-up. If you grind often, mention it at your appointment.

Complications

If left untreated

• Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth, which may eventually need fillings or crowns.
• Greater tooth sensitivity due to loss of protective enamel.
• Painful jaw joint problems, also called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD).
• Chronic headaches or face pain.
• Poor sleep quality, which can affect mood and energy levels.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is generally very good. With the right support, most people can protect their teeth and manage their symptoms. Many children outgrow bruxism, and adults often improve with stress reduction and a simple mouthguard. You can take control of the condition, and expert help is available to guide you.

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