Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching: Signs, Causes and What Helps
Plenty of people grind their teeth without knowing it. The habit usually happens during sleep, so the first clue is often a sore jaw in the morning. Sometimes a bed partner hears it first. Dentists call it bruxism, and it can range from mild and occasional to frequent enough to wear and damage teeth.
This guide covers what teeth grinding is, why it happens and the signs to look out for. It also explains what a dentist may suggest and some everyday habits that may help. The aim is to give you enough background to have a useful conversation at your next dental visit.
What teeth grinding actually is
The Better Health Channel describes teeth grinding (bruxism) as the involuntary clenching, grinding and gnashing of the teeth. It usually happens while you sleep. Some people also clench or grind during the day, often without noticing. Either way, the jaw muscles are working hard at a time when they would normally be resting.
It is more common than many people think. According to the Better Health Channel, roughly half of all people grind their teeth from time to time. Around 5% grind regularly. Because most grinding happens at night, many people have no idea they do it until someone else hears it.
Common causes and triggers
There is rarely one single cause. Stress, anxiety and anger are often linked to grinding. Intense concentration can also be a trigger. Lifestyle habits and some health conditions play a part as well.
The triggers listed by the Better Health Channel and healthdirect include the following. Some are easy to change, while others need help from a doctor. Looking at the list can help you spot patterns in your own routine.
- Stress, anxiety and anger
- Alcohol, smoking and caffeine
- Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea
- Some medicines, including certain antidepressants and antipsychotics
- Stimulant drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine and ecstasy
Sleep is a big part of the picture. Healthdirect notes that sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea are linked with grinding. That is one reason a dentist may ask about snoring and how well you sleep. If you have started a new medicine and noticed jaw pain, mention it to your doctor rather than stopping the medicine on your own.
Signs you might be grinding
Because it often happens during sleep, the signs tend to show up in the morning. Common ones include headaches, aching teeth or an aching face. A stiff jaw when chewing is another. Some people notice ear pain or pain around the jaw joint. Others find tooth marks along the edge of the tongue or a raised line of tissue inside the cheek.
Your teeth may also tell the story. Teeth that are sensitive, cracked, chipped or loose can all be signs. Fillings may become damaged over time. Healthdirect also lists disturbed sleep as a symptom, and notes that some people have no symptoms at all.
That last point matters. A person can grind with no pain at all, and the only sign may be wear on the teeth. Dentists look for this kind of wear and damage during routine check ups. It is one more reason to keep up regular dental visits.
What grinding can do to teeth and jaws
Over time, grinding can cause extra wear on the teeth and damage to fillings. It can strain the jaw joint and leave the jaw muscles sore. The Better Health Channel says tooth loss and enlarged jaw muscles can happen but are rare. A dentist can check which of these, if any, apply to you.
If a tooth is badly cracked or broken, your dentist will explain the repair options. Some repairs are simple and others take longer. If a tooth ever needs replacing, reading about the dental implant recovery timeline can help you know what to expect. Your dentist is the best person to talk you through what suits your mouth.
How a dentist can help
If you think you grind your teeth, the Better Health Channel suggests speaking with your dentist or another oral health professional. A dentist will examine your teeth and repair any damage. They will also check for other causes of wear, such as erosion. They may ask about your sleep, your general health and any medicines you take.
A common option is a bite splint worn at night, sometimes called an occlusal splint or mouthguard. Healthdirect describes this splint as custom made. It protects the teeth from wear. It usually eases symptoms, though it may not stop the grinding itself.
If the dentist suspects sleep bruxism, they may refer you to a doctor to check for sleep apnoea. Physiotherapy can help with jaw muscle pain. Healthdirect’s teeth grinding guide notes that not everyone needs treatment and that combining approaches is common. The right mix depends on what is driving the grinding in the first place.
Everyday habits that may help
Since stress is a common trigger, managing it is a sensible place to start. Options listed by health authorities include relaxation techniques, mindfulness, meditation and cognitive behaviour therapy. Hypnotherapy is also mentioned by the Better Health Channel. Counselling can help if stress or anxiety feels hard to manage alone.
Some life events raise stress for long stretches. Grief is one example, and our post on coping with the loss of a parent looks at that experience in more detail. If you notice jaw pain or headaches during a hard time, mention it to your GP or dentist. Looking after your general wellbeing is part of looking after your teeth.
Good sleep habits and regular exercise may help, according to the Better Health Channel. Healthdirect suggests avoiding stimulants and caffeine. Alcohol and smoking are listed as possible triggers too. Try to keep a regular bedtime and give yourself time to wind down before sleep. Small changes like these are easy to try alongside any advice from your dentist.
Teeth grinding in children
Children grind their teeth too. The Better Health Channel lists causes such as pain from new teeth coming through, emotional stress and some medicines. It is also linked with some conditions, including cerebral palsy and ADHD. Healthdirect notes that many children grow out of grinding without any treatment.
A dentist will look at how much wear there is, the child’s age and any symptoms before deciding whether treatment is needed. Parents are often the first to hear grinding at night. Many parents have other questions about their child’s mouth and speech at the same stage. Our guide to speech therapy terminology explains common terms, and another post looks at how nursery rhymes build a child’s language skills.
Frequently asked questions
Can a mouthguard from the chemist stop teeth grinding?
A dentist usually recommends a splint made to fit your own teeth. Healthdirect describes the splint used for grinding as custom made. A splint protects the teeth and often eases symptoms, but it may not stop the grinding. Ask your dentist which option suits you.
Is teeth grinding caused by stress?
Stress and anxiety are common triggers, but they are not the only ones. Alcohol, caffeine, smoking, some medicines and sleep problems such as sleep apnoea are also linked. A dentist or doctor can ask questions to help work out what applies to you.
Do children need treatment for grinding?
Not always. Many children grow out of it without treatment, according to healthdirect. A dentist will consider tooth wear, age and symptoms before suggesting anything. If you are worried, book a check up.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Morning jaw pain, headaches and aching teeth are common clues. A bed partner may hear the noise. Your dentist may also spot wear during a check up. Some people have no symptoms at all.
This article is general information only and is not medical or dental advice. Please speak with your dentist, doctor or a qualified health professional about your own situation.