Have you ever woken up with a sore jaw, aching teeth, or a dull headache? Do your teeth feel more sensitive lately, even though your oral hygiene hasn’t changed? You might be grinding or clenching your teeth—a condition known as bruxism.

Bruxism is more common than you might think, and many people don’t even know they’re doing it, especially when it happens during sleep. Left untreated, it can lead to serious issues, including tooth damage, jaw problems, and chronic discomfort.

In this article, we’ll explain what bruxism is, why it happens, how to recognize the signs, and—most importantly—how to stop it before it harms your smile.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the involuntary or habitual grinding, gnashing, or clenching of teeth. It can happen during the day (awake bruxism) or at night while sleeping (sleep bruxism).

Sleep bruxism is classified as a sleep-related movement disorder and often coexists with other conditions like sleep apnea or snoring.

Causes of Bruxism

Bruxism doesn’t have a single cause. It’s usually linked to a combination of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors, including:

• Stress and anxiety (the most common trigger)
• Sleep disorders (like sleep apnea)
• Bite misalignment (malocclusion)
• Missing or crooked teeth
• Caffeine or alcohol consumption
• Certain medications (especially antidepressants like SSRIs)
• Neurological conditions (such as Parkinson’s or ADHD)

Understanding the root cause of your bruxism is key to finding the right treatment.

Symptoms of Bruxism

Bruxism can be sneaky. Many people grind their teeth at night and don’t realize it until the damage is done. Look out for these symptoms:

• Jaw soreness or stiffness, especially in the morning
• Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw (TMJ issues)
• Headaches, particularly around the temples
• Earaches or a feeling of fullness in the ears
• Tooth sensitivity (to hot, cold, or pressure)
• Worn, chipped, or flattened teeth
• Gum recession or loose teeth
• Disrupted sleep or reports of grinding from a partner

If you notice any of these signs, schedule a dental evaluation. Your dentist can often spot signs of bruxism just by examining your teeth.

Risks of Untreated Bruxism

Bruxism might seem like a minor annoyance, but over time, it can have serious consequences:

• Tooth damage: Flattened, chipped, or cracked teeth
• Tooth loss: Extreme grinding can wear teeth down to the point where they need to be extracted
• Jaw disorders: Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD) can develop, causing pain and limited jaw movement
• Facial pain and tension headaches
• Sleep disruption: Both for you and your partner
• Costly dental repairs: Crowns, bridges, implants, or orthodontics may be needed

The longer bruxism goes untreated, the more extensive (and expensive) the damage becomes.

Diagnosis: How Is Bruxism Detected?

A dentist can typically identify bruxism during a routine exam by checking for:

• Wear patterns on the teeth
• Jaw tenderness or tightness
• Gum recession
• Cracks or chips not caused by injury
• Abnormal enamel loss

In some cases, your dentist may recommend a sleep study to rule out conditions like sleep apnea, especially if you’re grinding at night.

Treatment Options: How to Stop Teeth Grinding

Thankfully, there are several effective ways to manage and treat bruxism, depending on the underlying cause:

1. Custom Night Guards (Occlusal Splints)

These are clear, plastic trays worn over the teeth during sleep. They act as a barrier to:

• Prevent teeth from grinding directly against each other
• Reduce pressure on the jaw muscles
• Protect enamel from further damage

Night guards are one of the most common and effective treatments for sleep bruxism.

⚠️ Over-the-counter night guards exist but may not fit well or offer adequate protection. Custom guards from your dentist are better tailored for comfort and effectiveness.

2. Stress Management

Since stress is a major contributor to bruxism, finding healthy coping strategies can reduce grinding:

• Meditation and mindfulness
• Deep breathing exercises
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Regular exercise
• Journaling or creative outlets
• Cutting back on caffeine and screen time before bed

Reducing daily stress can have a major impact on nighttime grinding.

3. Physical Therapy and Jaw Exercises

Certain exercises can strengthen and relax your jaw muscles. These may be guided by a dentist, physiotherapist, or chiropractor. Heat therapy and gentle massage around the jaw can also relieve tension.

4. Dental Corrections

If bruxism is caused by bite problems, your dentist may recommend:

• Orthodontic treatment (braces or Invisalign)
• Replacing missing teeth
• Adjusting high fillings or uneven bite surfaces

Correcting misalignment can help reduce the mechanical causes of grinding.

5. Botox for Bruxism

Botox injections into the jaw muscles (masseter) can:

• Reduce the force of involuntary clenching
• Relieve jaw tension and headaches
• Protect teeth from excessive wear

Botox is becoming an increasingly popular, minimally invasive option, especially for chronic cases. Results usually last 3–6 months.

6. Treating Underlying Medical Conditions

If bruxism is linked to:

• Sleep apnea, a CPAP machine may help
• Medication side effects, your doctor may adjust your prescription
• Neurological conditions, your treatment plan may involve specialists

A multidisciplinary approach can be highly effective for complex cases.

Bruxism in Children

Children can also grind their teeth, especially during sleep or during growth spurts. It’s often temporary and linked to:

• Teething
• Ear infections
• Anxiety or stress
• Improper bite

Most kids outgrow bruxism, but it’s still worth discussing with a pediatric dentist if it persists or causes damage.

Tips for Preventing Bruxism Flare-Ups

• Avoid chewing gum or hard objects (pens, ice, fingernails)
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine
• Practice good sleep hygiene
• Drink plenty of water
• Maintain regular dental visits
• Use posture-supportive pillows and sleep on your back if possible

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Grinding Grind You Down

Bruxism may be common, but it’s not harmless. Ignoring the signs can lead to damaged teeth, jaw problems, and persistent pain. The good news? With the right diagnosis and treatment, most people can effectively manage or completely stop grinding their teeth.

If you suspect you may be clenching or grinding, talk to your dentist. They’ll help identify the cause and guide you toward a solution that protects your smile—now and for the future.