Bruxism, the habit of grinding or clenching teeth, is common and often goes unnoticed because it happens during sleep or concentration.
Signs and symptoms
- Flattened, worn, chipped or cracked teeth
- Jaw muscle soreness or tightness, particularly on waking
- Morning headaches or earache-like pain
- Tooth sensitivity. See tooth sensitivity.
- Clicking or locking of the jaw joint
- Indentations on the tongue or cheeks
- Noise heard by a partner
Possible causes
- Stress and anxiety
- Poor or interrupted sleep, including snoring and sleep apnoea
- Caffeine, alcohol and tobacco
- Some medicines
- An uneven bite, though this is a less certain factor
Why does it matter?
Over years, grinding wears down enamel, cracks teeth and damages fillings and crowns. It can lead to the need for more complex treatment such as crowns.
Treatment and self-help
- Night guard. A custom-made guard cushions the teeth and protects them from wear.
- Stress management. Exercise, relaxation, a calming bedtime routine and counselling if needed.
- Cut back on triggers. Reduce caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, especially in the evening.
- Break the daytime habit. Keep lips together and teeth apart; notice and release clenching.
- Warm compresses on sore jaw muscles.
- Treat any underlying cause, such as sleep problems, with your doctor.
See your dentist
We can check for wear, assess your jaw joints and make a night guard that fits well. Early protection is much simpler than repairing worn teeth. Learn about our general dentistry and restorative care.