Teeth Grinding

Overview

Teeth grinding (also called bruxism) is when you clench, grind, or rub your teeth together, often without realizing it. It can happen during the day or at night while you sleep.

Yes. Teeth grinding is very common. Studies and healthcare providers report that many children and adults grind their teeth at some point, especially during sleep.

It can affect anyone, but it is more common in children and younger adults. It also occurs more often in people who are stressed, anxious, or who drink alcohol or caffeine.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Grinding or clenching sounds during sleep (often noticed by a partner)
• Waking with a dull, constant headache
• Sore jaw or face in the morning
• Teeth that feel loose, sensitive, or worn down
• Damaged or broken teeth or fillings
• Tight jaw muscles or difficulty opening your mouth wide

Symptoms in children

• Grinding noises at night
• Waking with headaches or earaches
• Teeth that look worn or chipped
• Jaw soreness or difficulty chewing

Symptoms in older adults

• Worn-down teeth that cause increased sensitivity
• Jaw or facial pain, including pain that feels like an ear infection
• Loosened teeth or damaged dental work such as crowns or dentures
• Difficulty chewing or clicking in the jaw

Causes

Main causes

• Stress and anxiety
• Sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea or snoring
• Misaligned teeth or an abnormal bite
• Side effects of certain medicines (speak to your prescriber; never stop a medicine on your own)
• Lifestyle habits such as excessive alcohol, caffeine, or smoking

Risk factors

• Age (more common in children and young adults)
• High levels of stress or a type A personality
• Family history of teeth grinding
• Use of some recreational drugs or heavy alcohol
• Having a partner or family member who grinds their teeth (may also be a sign you do)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have face or jaw swelling, fever, or you cannot open your mouth, get care the same day.
• If you break or lose a tooth, contact your dentist immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you notice frequent headaches, jaw pain, or worn teeth.
• If your partner tells you that you grind your teeth at night.
• If you have trouble sleeping or feel tired during the day.
• For a regular dental check-up; your dentist can spot signs of grinding early.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider or dentist will ask about your symptoms, examine your teeth and jaw, and check for signs of grinding such as wear, gum recession, or tenderness. They may also ask about your sleep habits and stress levels.

Tests that may be done

• A dental exam to check tooth wear and jaw movement
• X-rays of your teeth and jaw if needed to look for damage
• A sleep study may be suggested if a sleep disorder is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your provider will look at your teeth, bite, and jaw muscles, and ask questions about headaches, pain, and sleep. Based on the findings, they will explain next steps, which may include monitoring, self-care, or a mouth guard.

Treatment

Treatment for teeth grinding focuses on protecting your teeth, easing pain, and addressing the causes. The approach depends on how often you grind and whether it is causing damage.

Self-care at home

• Hold a warm, moist cloth against your jaw to relax tense muscles
• Practice gentle jaw stretches during the day
• Avoid chewing gum, pens, or other hard objects
• Reduce stress with deep breathing, meditation, or relaxing activities before bed
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking, especially in the evening
• Make sure your sleep schedule is regular and your bedroom is quiet and calm

Medical treatments

If grinding is causing damage, a dentist may recommend a custom-made mouth guard (splint) to wear at night. This protects teeth and can reduce jaw pain. If stress is a major factor, talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), may help. In some cases, a short course of muscle-relaxing medicines may be prescribed, but you should always discuss options with your healthcare provider or dentist. They can recommend what is safe and suitable for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for teeth grinding. It may be considered only for severe jaw-joint problems that do not improve with other treatment, and only after a thorough specialist assessment.

Living with this condition

Living with teeth grinding is usually manageable. Try to notice when you clench your jaw during the day and gently relax it. Use reminders, such as a post-it note, to help you stop and rest your jaw. At night, a mouth guard can help you sleep without damaging your teeth.

Lifestyle tips

• Set a regular sleep schedule and aim for 7–9 hours a night
• Exercise regularly to help manage stress
• Limit caffeine after mid-afternoon and avoid alcohol close to bedtime
• Take a warm bath or listen to calm music before bed
• Talk to someone about worries rather than carrying them to bed

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet keeps your teeth and jaw healthy. Avoid very hard, chewy, or crunchy foods if they make your jaw sore. Gentle exercise, such as walking or stretching, can help reduce stress and muscle tension.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Teeth grinding is often linked to stress, and living with it can make you feel frustrated or worried about damage to your teeth. It is normal to feel this way. Finding ways to relax and talking to a professional about stress can help improve both your mood and your grinding.

Prevention

Teeth grinding cannot always be prevented because it is often linked to natural sleep processes. However, you can reduce your risk of damage by managing stress, reducing alcohol and caffeine, and having regular dental check-ups so that signs are caught early.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for teeth grinding, but regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to spot early signs of grinding and suggest ways to protect your teeth.

Complications

If left untreated

• Worn-down teeth that may need crowns, fillings, or root canal treatment
• Cracked, chipped, or loose teeth
• Chronic jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
• Headaches and earaches that affect daily life
• Poor sleep, which can lead to tiredness and reduced concentration

Long-term outlook

With the right support, most people can protect their teeth and reduce pain. Many children outgrow grinding without any treatment, and adults often see improvement when stress is managed. Even when grinding continues, custom mouth guards and other approaches work well to keep your teeth healthy and comfortable.

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