Bruxism: What Grinding Your Teeth Says About Your Health

Bruxism is a condition in which people gnash, grind, or clench their teeth. When someone has bruxism, they may unconsciously clench their teeth while awake. More commonly, however, people develop night bruxism, where they clench or grind their teeth while sleeping. Unfortunately, this can lead to serious problems affecting the teeth and jaw joints.

What Is Bruxism and Why Does It Matter? 

Anytime you clench or grind your teeth, you are putting needless wear and tear on your teeth, while also straining your jaw joint, muscles, and ligaments. When you clench your jaw or grind your teeth while sleeping, you put an incredible amount of stress on your temporomandibular joint. Since you aren't aware of your actions, you may clench two to three times harder than you would while awake. What's more, with sleep bruxism, your teeth are subjected to the maximum force of your jaws without any buffer from food. 

Why Teeth Grinding Is a Problem

Bruxism may start as an unconscious habit, but over time, it can take a real toll on your teeth, jaw, and overall well-being. Here are some of the most common issues it can cause:

• Tooth damage: Grinding can wear down enamel, leading to chipped, cracked, or flattened teeth.
• Jaw strain: Constant clenching puts extra stress on the jaw muscles and supporting ligaments.
• Headaches and facial pain: Tension from grinding often spreads into the temples, cheeks, and forehead.
• TMJ disorder: Patients may notice jaw clicking, locking, stiffness, or discomfort.
• Sleep disruptions: Nighttime grinding can interrupt your rest and affect your partner’s sleep as well.

Because these symptoms can contribute to ongoing pain, fatigue, and frustration, bruxism has the potential to affect both your physical and mental health. Early treatment can make a big difference.

Common Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth 

People with bruxism will typically experience one or more of the following: 

• Sleep disruptions that impact their physical and mental well-being
• Teeth clenching or grinding, which may awaken a partner
• Fractured, flattened, loose, or chipped teeth
• Worn enamel on the surface of teeth
• Tooth sensitivity or pain
• Tight or tired jaw muscles
• A locked jaw that won't close or open completely
• Face, neck, or jaw soreness
• Vague discomfort that feels like an earache
• Dull headache beginning in the temples
• Damage from biting the inside of the cheek
  
  

What Causes Bruxism?

While the exact cause of bruxism isn't known, the Mayo Clinic points out some common risk factors, including: 

Lifestyle & Emotional Factors

• Stress, anxiety, anger, frustration
• Caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco use
• Youth (Bruxism is common in children, but can get better as they age)
• Aggressive, hyperactive, or competitive personalities

Physical or Medical Factors

• Sleep apnea or other sleep disorders
• Neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s, ADHD)
• Misaligned bite or missing teeth

Genetic & Medication Links

• Inherited genetic traits
• Parkinson's disease, dementia, GERD, epilepsy, or ADHD 
• Antidepressants, psychiatric medications, alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco

The Bruxism Association also reports that sleep apnea can be an underlying cause of bruxism.

How to Treat and Prevent Bruxism

If you think you may be grinding or clenching your teeth, the first step is to talk with your local dentist. They can help pinpoint the cause, recommend treatment options, and address any damage caused by bruxism. In some cases, your dentist may also refer you to a sleep medicine specialist for additional support.

Custom Mouthguards or Night Guards

These protective devices create a barrier between your teeth while you sleep, reducing wear and preventing further damage.

Stress Management Techniques

Relaxation strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, or therapy can help reduce tension that contributes to clenching and grinding.

Dental Corrections

Your dentist may adjust your bite, repair worn or damaged teeth, or recommend treatments that help your jaw function more comfortably.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, especially in the evening, may reduce nighttime grinding and help improve sleep quality.

Stop the Grind: Gentle Dental Can Help You Find Relief

Bruxism doesn’t have to disrupt your comfort, sleep, or daily routine. With the proper guidance and personalized care, you can protect your teeth and finally find relief from grinding and clenching. 

Our team at Gentle Dental can help you understand what’s causing your symptoms and recommend solutions that fit your lifestyle. If you’re ready to get your smile—and your sleep—back on track, schedule an appointment at your nearest Gentle Dental location today.