Teeth grinding is something many people do without realising it. It often happens during sleep, which means the first sign may be a sore jaw in the morning, a dull headache, or a partner mentioning the sound at night. In some people, it also happens while awake, usually during periods of stress or intense concentration.
Bruxism is the dental term for grinding or clenching the teeth in a way that is not part of normal chewing. It can affect both adults and children, and while mild cases may not need treatment, ongoing grinding can cause real damage to teeth and jaw joints over time. If you suspect you may be grinding, understanding your teeth grinding treatment options is a good place to start.
Quick Overview
- Bruxism is teeth grinding or jaw clenching that happens outside of normal chewing, often during sleep
- It may affect adults and children, and in many cases the person is unaware it is happening
- Depending on severity, a dentist may recommend monitoring, a protective mouthguard, or other supportive care
- What drives bruxism varies from person to person, which affects both the approach to management and how well it responds
- A dental examination can identify signs of grinding and help guide next steps
Keep reading to understand what causes bruxism, what the symptoms look like, and what options may be available.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the involuntary clenching, grinding, or gnashing of teeth that is not related to eating or talking. It is more common than many people think. About half the population grinds their teeth from time to time, and around 5% do so regularly.
There are two main patterns:
- Sleep bruxism: Grinding or clenching that occurs during sleep. The person has no conscious control over it and often has no idea it is happening.
- Awake bruxism: Clenching or grinding while awake, often linked to stress, concentration, or habit. People may notice they are doing it but find it difficult to stop.
Sleep bruxism tends to cause more wear on the teeth because the forces involved during sleep can be greater than those during normal chewing. Awake bruxism is more likely to cause jaw muscle tension and facial pain.
What Causes Bruxism?
There is no single cause. Bruxism tends to involve a mix of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors.
Common contributing factors include:
- Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress is one of the most frequently linked triggers, particularly for both sleep and awake bruxism
- Sleep disorders: Bruxism is associated with disrupted sleep, and people with sleep apnoea are more likely to grind their teeth
- Certain medications: Some medicines, including certain antidepressants, have been linked to teeth grinding as a side effect
- Recreational substances: Caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs can increase the likelihood of grinding
- Personality and concentration habits: People who clench during periods of focus or frustration may develop awake bruxism over time
- Children: Young children sometimes grind their teeth during development, and many grow out of it without treatment
Not everyone with these risk factors will develop bruxism, and the reasons it starts in one person and not another are not always clear.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
Bruxism can be easy to miss, particularly the sleep variety. Signs that a dentist may observe, or that you may notice yourself, include:
- Worn, flattened, or chipped tooth surfaces
- Increased tooth sensitivity, particularly to hot and cold
- Jaw pain or stiffness, especially in the morning
- Headaches, usually starting at the temples
- Facial pain or soreness in the jaw muscles
- Clicking or limited movement in the jaw joint
- Indentations on the side of the tongue
A bed partner hearing grinding sounds at night is sometimes the first indication. A dentist may also spot the signs during a check-up before any symptoms become obvious. Tooth wear and damage are among the key signs a dentist looks for, and teeth may be examined more closely if grinding is suspected.
What Problems Can Bruxism Cause?
For most people with mild bruxism, ongoing problems may not develop. However, when grinding is frequent or forceful, it can lead to:
- Tooth wear and damage: The enamel on the biting surfaces wears down over time. In more severe cases, teeth can crack, chip, or become loose.
- Jaw joint problems: Repeated clenching puts pressure on the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and clicking in the joint.
- Muscle tension and facial pain: The jaw muscles work hard during grinding, which can cause persistent soreness and tightness across the face.
- Disrupted sleep: Sleep bruxism can affect the quality of sleep, both for the person grinding and for anyone sharing the room.
How Is Bruxism Managed?
Not every case of bruxism needs active treatment. For children and for adults with mild symptoms, monitoring over time may be sufficient. For others, a dentist may discuss one or more of the following:
Occlusal splint or mouthguard. A custom-fitted device worn over the teeth, usually at night, helps protect the tooth surfaces from grinding contact. It does not stop the grinding itself but reduces the damage and may ease jaw muscle soreness.
Addressing contributing factors. Where stress or anxiety is a likely driver, managing those factors may reduce the frequency or intensity of grinding. This can involve techniques such as relaxation exercises or adjustments to sleep habits.
Dental repair. Where grinding has caused visible damage to the teeth, a dentist may discuss options for repairing worn or chipped surfaces, depending on the extent of the damage.
One of the first steps in managing bruxism is trying to identify and reduce the contributing factors where possible.
A Considered Approach to Bruxism at Clarinda Clinic
Bruxism is often discovered gradually, through symptoms that build up over time or signs picked up during a routine check-up. Early identification gives more options for protecting the teeth and addressing any discomfort before it becomes a more significant problem.
Clarinda Clinic dentists Dr Andrew Hong and Dr Jane Snell assess each patient’s teeth carefully, explain what they observe, and discuss care options that are suited to each individual situation.
To arrange an assessment, call us on (03) 6160 1078 or contact our dental team online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Many people are unaware they grind their teeth during sleep. Common signs include waking with a sore or tired jaw, headaches first thing in the morning, or a partner mentioning grinding sounds at night. A dentist may also notice worn or flattened tooth surfaces during a check-up, sometimes before any symptoms appear. If you are unsure, raising the question at your next dental visit is a good starting point.
Is bruxism more common in children or adults?
Both children and adults can grind their teeth. In children, it is relatively common during development and often resolves without treatment as they grow. In adults, bruxism is more likely to persist, particularly when linked to ongoing stress, poor sleep, or other contributing factors. The signs and potential complications tend to be more significant in adults because the teeth have had more time to be affected.
References
Better Health Channel. (n.d.). ‘Teeth grinding’. Better Health Channel. Melbourne, VIC: Victorian Department of Health. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/teeth-grinding
Healthdirect Australia. (n.d.). ‘Teeth grinding’. Healthdirect Australia. Sydney, NSW: Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/teeth-grinding
Australian Dental Association. (n.d.). ‘Teeth Grinding’. Teeth.org.au. Sydney, NSW: Australian Dental Association. https://www.teeth.org.au/teeth-grinding