Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Signs You’re Doing It and How to Protect Your Teeth
Many teeth grinders have absolutely no idea they’re doing it. Bruxism – the clinical term for teeth grinding or jaw clenching – most commonly happens during sleep, which makes it one of those problems that can quietly cause significant damage long before you notice anything is wrong. The good news is that once it’s identified, it’s very manageable. Here’s what to look out for and what we can do to help.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the habitual grinding, gnashing or clenching of teeth. It can occur during the day (awake bruxism) or at night (sleep bruxism), though the nighttime variety is more common and tends to go unnoticed for longer. Sleep bruxism is actually classified as a sleep-related movement disorder, and research suggests it affects around 8–10% of adults, though the figure is likely higher as many cases go undiagnosed.
Signs you might be grinding your teeth
Because sleep bruxism happens unconsciously, most people are alerted to it by a partner who hears the grinding sound at night. But there are other signs to watch out for:
- Waking up with a dull headache, particularly around the temples.
- Jaw pain, stiffness or a feeling of tightness, especially in the morning.
- Tooth sensitivity that seems to have no obvious cause.
- Worn, flattened or chipped teeth – something we often spot at a routine check-up before the patient has noticed anything themselves.
- Earache or facial pain not related to any ear or sinus problem.
- Indentations on the inside of your cheeks from clenching.
What causes it?
The exact causes of bruxism aren’t fully understood, but it’s strongly associated with stress and anxiety – which may explain why it’s so prevalent. Other contributing factors include certain medications (particularly some antidepressants), caffeine and alcohol consumption, sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, and misaligned teeth. It can also run in families, suggesting a genetic element.
Why it’s worth treating
Left untreated, bruxism can cause serious and irreversible damage. Enamel, once worn away, doesn’t grow back. Over time, grinding can flatten and shorten the teeth, increase sensitivity, cause cracking, and even lead to problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) – the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorders can be painful and complex to treat, so catching bruxism early is always preferable.
How we can help
The most common and effective treatment for sleep bruxism is a custom-made night guard. It’s precisely fitted and you wear it over your teeth while you sleep. It acts as a protective barrier, absorbing the force of grinding and preventing further enamel wear. Unlike the generic versions you’ll find in pharmacies, a custom guard is made from an impression of your own teeth, so it’s far more comfortable and effective. We’ll also look at the underlying picture: if stress appears to be a factor, we’ll discuss that with you, and if we suspect sleep apnoea may be involved, we can refer you for assessment.
For more severe cases, or for patients who find a guard uncomfortable, Botox injections into the jaw muscles can help by partially relaxing them and significantly reducing the force of grinding. Intra-oral facial massage is another option, helping to release chronic tension in the jaw muscles and surrounding tissue. We’ll always discuss the full range of treatments with you to find the right approach for your needs.
If you recognise any of the symptoms above, or if a partner has mentioned that you grind your teeth, do come and see us. It’s a very common problem and a straightforward one to address. Book an appointment and we’ll take a look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bruxism be cured?
There’s no single cure, but it can be very effectively managed. A custom night guard protects your teeth from further damage, and addressing contributing factors such as stress, alcohol or caffeine can reduce the frequency of grinding. For patients with more severe bruxism, Botox injections and intra-oral facial massage can also be highly effective – see the ‘How we can help’ section above for more detail.
Is a night guard uncomfortable to wear?
Most patients adjust to wearing a custom night guard within a week or two. Because it’s made from a precise impression of your own teeth, it fits snugly and is far more comfortable than off-the-shelf alternatives. The vast majority of patients tell us they quickly stop noticing it.
Can children grind their teeth?
Yes, bruxism is actually quite common in children, particularly during periods of stress or when new teeth are coming through. It often resolves on its own as children grow, but it’s worth mentioning to us at their next check-up if you’ve noticed it.
Could my jaw pain be bruxism rather than something else?
Jaw pain has several possible causes, including TMJ disorders, gum problems and referred pain from elsewhere. Bruxism is a common culprit, but the best way to find out is to come in and let us examine you properly. We’ll be able to identify the signs of grinding on your teeth and advise you accordingly.
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