DENTAL CONCERN

Teeth Grinding

Also called: grinding teeth, bruxism, clenching jaw, worn down teeth, teeth grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, involves involuntary grinding, clenching or tightening of the teeth and jaw. It can happen while awake or during sleep and may gradually cause tooth wear, sensitivity, jaw discomfort or headaches.

TYPICALLY OCCURS

Stress, sleep factors, jaw clenching and certain medications

TREATED BY

Dental guards, restorative dentistry and underlying-cause management

ALSO LINKED TO

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Why it happens?

Teeth grinding is not always caused by a single factor. Awake bruxism is often associated with periods of concentration, stress, anxiety or emotional tension, during which a person may repeatedly clench their jaw without realising it. Certain habits and lifestyle factors can also influence grinding or clenching. Because it can happen subconsciously, many people only become aware of the behaviour after noticing jaw tension, tooth wear or being told that they grind their teeth.

Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement activity and can occur during brief changes in brain and muscle activity while sleeping. It has been associated with factors such as sleep disruption, snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea, although these do not explain every case. Alcohol, smoking and high caffeine intake may increase the likelihood or severity of grinding in some people. Certain medications, including some antidepressants, can also be associated with bruxism.

Repeated grinding places considerable pressure on the teeth, jaw muscles and surrounding structures. Over time, this can wear down enamel, flatten or chip teeth, damage restorations and contribute to tooth sensitivity. The jaw muscles may become tired or painful, particularly after waking, and some people experience facial discomfort or headaches. The severity varies significantly: occasional grinding may cause little harm, while persistent or forceful bruxism can gradually produce noticeable dental damage and discomfort.

How far along is it?

Early

Occasional grinding or clenching occurs with few obvious symptoms. Mild morning jaw tightness or subtle tooth wear may be present.

Moderate

Grinding or clenching becomes more frequent. Tooth wear, sensitivity, jaw discomfort or morning headaches may become increasingly noticeable.

Advanced

Persistent grinding causes more extensive tooth wear, cracks, chips or damage to dental restorations. Jaw or facial discomfort may become more frequent and require professional assessment.

What addresses it?

Treatments that address this

Dental crowns→Orthognathic jaw surgery→

It is worth seeking dental advice if you regularly wake with a tight or painful jaw, experience unexplained tooth sensitivity or headaches, notice your teeth becoming flatter or chipped, or have been told that you grind your teeth while sleeping.

Earlier assessment can help identify existing tooth damage and factors that may be contributing to bruxism. Seek advice particularly if grinding is accompanied by significant jaw pain, broken teeth or restorations, or symptoms of disrupted sleep such as loud snoring, choking or excessive daytime sleepiness.

Quick Questions:

How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?

Possible signs include morning jaw tightness, facial discomfort, headaches, sensitive teeth and unexplained tooth wear. A partner may also hear grinding sounds during sleep. A dentist can look for characteristic patterns of wear or damage.

Can stress cause teeth grinding?

Stress and anxiety can contribute to bruxism, particularly jaw clenching while awake. However, sleep bruxism is more complex and can involve several factors rather than stress alone.

Can teeth grinding damage my teeth?

Yes. Persistent grinding can gradually wear away enamel and may contribute to sensitivity, chips, cracks or damage to fillings, crowns and other dental restorations.

Is teeth grinding related to sleep problems?

It can be. Sleep bruxism occurs during sleep and has associations with sleep disruption and conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea. If grinding occurs alongside significant snoring, breathing interruptions or excessive daytime tiredness, further assessment may be appropriate.