Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is the unconscious clenching, grinding, or gnashing of the teeth. It can happen while you are awake or asleep and may occur without you realizing it.

Occasional teeth grinding may not cause significant problems, but frequent or severe bruxism can place excessive pressure on your teeth, jaw muscles, and jaw joints.

What Is Teeth Grinding or Bruxism?

Bruxism occurs when a person repeatedly clenches or grinds their teeth. Some people grind their teeth during sleep, while others clench or grind their teeth while awake, particularly during periods of concentration, stress, or anxiety.

Because sleep bruxism can occur without conscious awareness, some people only discover they grind their teeth after a dental examination or when a partner notices the sound at night.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

There is not always one specific cause of bruxism. A combination of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors may contribute to teeth grinding.

• Stress and anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Certain medications
• Alcohol consumption
• Caffeine, particularly in excessive amounts
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Other medical or neurological factors

In children, teeth grinding can sometimes occur during periods of growth and development and does not necessarily indicate a serious problem.

Awake Bruxism

Awake bruxism often involves clenching the teeth rather than grinding them. It may occur unconsciously while working, concentrating, driving, studying, or experiencing stress.

Becoming aware of when you clench your jaw can be an important first step in reducing the habit.

Sleep Bruxism

Sleep bruxism occurs while you are asleep and may involve grinding or clenching the teeth. People with sleep bruxism may not realize they are doing it.

A partner may notice grinding sounds during the night, or a dentist may identify signs of tooth wear during a routine examination.

Signs & Symptoms of Bruxism

Teeth grinding can cause a variety of symptoms. Some people have no noticeable symptoms until damage has occurred.

• Worn or flattened teeth
• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Tooth sensitivity
• Jaw soreness or stiffness
• Facial muscle discomfort
• Morning headaches
• Ear-area discomfort
• Tooth pain
• Increased sensitivity to hot or cold
• Damage to dental fillings, crowns, or other restorations

How Does Bruxism Affect Your Teeth?

Repeated grinding and clenching can place significant forces on your teeth. Over time, this can wear down the protective enamel and expose the underlying layers of the teeth.

Severe bruxism can contribute to cracks, chips, fractures, sensitivity, and damage to existing dental restorations.

Tooth Wear

One of the most common signs of long-term bruxism is excessive tooth wear. Teeth may gradually become flatter, shorter, or develop small chips along their edges.

Your dentist can monitor changes in tooth wear during regular examinations and determine whether treatment may be appropriate.

Bruxism & Jaw Pain

Repeated clenching can place strain on the muscles responsible for moving your jaw. This may result in soreness, stiffness, or fatigue in the jaw muscles, particularly when you wake up.

Some people may also experience discomfort around the temples, face, or ears.

Bruxism & TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect your lower jaw to your skull. Excessive clenching and grinding may contribute to stress on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles.

If you experience persistent jaw pain, clicking, locking, difficulty opening your mouth, or other jaw-related symptoms, your dental professional can assess your condition and recommend appropriate care.

Bruxism & Stress

Stress and anxiety can contribute to awake and sleep bruxism. Some people unconsciously clench their teeth when they are under pressure or concentrating.

Identifying situations that trigger clenching and finding healthy ways to manage stress may help reduce the frequency or intensity of the habit.

How Is Bruxism Diagnosed?

Your dentist can look for signs of bruxism during a regular dental examination. This may include checking for tooth wear, cracks, sensitivity, damaged restorations, and changes in your jaw muscles or joints.

Your dental professional may also ask about headaches, jaw discomfort, sleep habits, stress, and whether anyone has noticed you grinding your teeth during sleep.

How Is Teeth Grinding Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your bruxism and whether it is causing damage or discomfort.

The goal may be to reduce harmful forces on the teeth, protect existing dental work, manage symptoms, and address contributing factors.

Custom Night Guards

A custom night guard may be recommended for people who grind or clench their teeth during sleep. A night guard creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth and can help reduce direct contact between them.

A professionally fitted appliance is designed to fit comfortably and securely and can be particularly useful when significant tooth wear or dental restorations are present.

Managing Awake Clenching

If you clench your teeth during the day, becoming aware of the habit can help you begin to reduce it.

• Pay attention to when you clench your jaw.
• Keep your jaw relaxed when you are not eating or speaking.
• Avoid deliberately holding your teeth tightly together.
• Take regular breaks during periods of concentration.
• Practice stress-management techniques that work for you.

Your dental professional can provide additional recommendations based on your symptoms and individual circumstances.

Protecting Your Teeth From Damage

Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to monitor tooth wear and identify cracks, chips, sensitivity, or damage to restorations before problems become more extensive.

If you grind your teeth, protecting your teeth early may help reduce the risk of significant damage over time.

Bruxism & Dental Restorations

Excessive grinding can place additional forces on fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, and other dental restorations. In some cases, this can contribute to premature wear or damage.

If you have restorations and grind your teeth, your dentist can assess their condition and determine whether additional protection is appropriate.

When Should You See a Dentist?

Talk with your dentist if you regularly grind or clench your teeth or notice symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, worn teeth, chipped teeth, jaw pain, morning headaches, or damaged dental work.

Early evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and reduce the risk of further damage.

Protect Your Smile From Bruxism

Teeth grinding is common, but persistent or severe bruxism can affect your teeth, dental restorations, jaw muscles, and jaw joints.

If you are concerned about teeth grinding or clenching, the team at Scarborough Village Dental Care can evaluate your teeth and jaw, monitor signs of wear, and discuss appropriate options for protecting your smile.