Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is the repeated clenching, grinding, or tightening of the teeth and jaw muscles. It can happen while you are awake or while you sleep, and many people may not realize they are grinding their teeth.

Occasional teeth grinding may not cause significant problems, but frequent or forceful grinding can place excessive stress on your teeth, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joints.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism occurs when you clench or grind your teeth without a functional reason such as chewing or speaking. Sleep bruxism occurs while you are asleep, while awake bruxism involves clenching or grinding during the day.

Because sleep bruxism happens while you are unconscious, you may only become aware of it after a partner notices the grinding sounds or your dentist identifies signs of wear on your teeth.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

There is no single cause of bruxism. A combination of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors may contribute to teeth grinding or clenching.

• Stress or anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Certain medications
• Consumption of caffeine or alcohol
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Changes in the bite
• Certain sleep-related conditions
• Other medical or neurological factors

In some cases, the exact cause of bruxism may not be clear.

Signs & Symptoms of Bruxism

Teeth grinding can produce a variety of symptoms. Some may appear in the mouth, while others can affect the jaw, face, head, or neck.

• Worn or flattened teeth
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Jaw soreness or tightness
• Facial muscle discomfort
• Headaches, particularly in the morning
• Ear-area discomfort
• Pain when chewing
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth comfortably
• Teeth clenching during the day

How Can Bruxism Affect Your Teeth?

Repeated grinding can place considerable pressure on the teeth. Over time, this can gradually wear away the protective enamel.

As enamel becomes thinner, the teeth may become more sensitive and vulnerable to additional damage. Severe grinding can contribute to chips, cracks, broken fillings, and other dental problems.

Bruxism & Tooth Sensitivity

Grinding can contribute to the loss of enamel and expose areas of the tooth that are more sensitive to temperature and pressure.

If you experience unexplained sensitivity, particularly along with signs of tooth wear or jaw discomfort, your dentist can examine your teeth for possible signs of bruxism.

Bruxism & Your Jaw

Clenching and grinding can place additional stress on the muscles and joints involved in jaw movement. This may contribute to jaw soreness, stiffness, clicking, or discomfort.

Some people notice that their jaw feels tired or tight when they wake up or after periods of concentration during the day.

Daytime Teeth Grinding

Awake bruxism often involves unconscious clenching rather than obvious grinding. It may occur during periods of stress, concentration, or intense focus.

Becoming more aware of when you clench your jaw can be an important first step. When you notice your teeth touching when you are not eating or speaking, consciously relax your jaw and allow your teeth to separate.

Sleep Bruxism

Sleep bruxism occurs while you are asleep and may be difficult to recognize on your own.

A sleeping partner may notice grinding sounds, or your dentist may identify patterns of tooth wear during an examination. Sleep bruxism can sometimes occur alongside other sleep-related conditions, so additional evaluation may be appropriate in certain situations.

How Is Bruxism Diagnosed?

Your dentist can look for physical signs of grinding and ask about symptoms such as jaw discomfort, headaches, tooth sensitivity, and morning soreness.

Your dental team may examine your teeth for:

• Unusual patterns of tooth wear
• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Damaged fillings or restorations
• Enamel loss
• Jaw muscle tenderness
• Signs of clenching or grinding

If sleep-related bruxism is suspected, your dentist may recommend discussing your symptoms with a physician or sleep professional when appropriate.

How Is Bruxism Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the bruxism and what may be contributing to it. The goal is often to reduce damage to the teeth, relieve discomfort, and address contributing factors where possible.

Your dentist may recommend one or more approaches based on your individual needs.

Night Guards & Oral Appliances

A custom dental night guard or oral appliance may be recommended for some patients who grind their teeth while sleeping.

The appliance creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth and can help reduce the amount of direct tooth-to-tooth contact.

A custom-fitted appliance can be designed to fit your mouth comfortably and provide appropriate protection based on your bite and individual circumstances.

Managing Stress & Clenching

Stress and anxiety can contribute to daytime clenching and may also play a role in sleep bruxism.

Relaxation techniques, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and becoming more aware of jaw tension may help reduce daytime clenching for some people.

If stress or anxiety is significantly affecting your daily life or sleep, speaking with an appropriate healthcare professional may also be beneficial.

Protecting Teeth That Have Been Damaged

If grinding has already caused significant wear or damage, restorative dental treatment may be necessary to protect and rebuild affected teeth.

The appropriate treatment depends on the extent of the damage and may include fillings, crowns, or other restorative options.

Bruxism & Sleep Health

Sleep bruxism can sometimes occur alongside other sleep-related problems. If you regularly grind your teeth while sleeping, snore heavily, wake frequently, or experience significant daytime fatigue, discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider.

Identifying and addressing an underlying sleep issue may be an important part of managing your overall health.

When Should You See a Dentist?

Talk to your dental team if you notice signs of grinding or experience persistent jaw or tooth discomfort.

• Your teeth appear worn or flattened.
• You frequently wake with jaw soreness.
• You experience unexplained headaches.
• Your teeth are becoming increasingly sensitive.
• You have chipped or cracked teeth.
• You notice yourself clenching during the day.
• Your jaw clicks, locks, or becomes difficult to move.

Protect Your Smile From Bruxism

Teeth grinding can gradually damage your teeth even when it does not initially cause pain. Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to identify signs of wear early and recommend appropriate ways to protect your smile.

If you are concerned about teeth grinding, jaw discomfort, or changes in your teeth, the team at Scarborough Village Dental Care can evaluate your oral health and discuss treatment options that may be appropriate for you.