Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Signs, Causes and How to Protect Your Teeth and Jaw

Many people who grind their teeth have no idea they do it, until a partner hears it or a dentist spots the damage. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching (bruxism) often happen during sleep and are closely linked to stress. Left alone, they can wear down teeth and cause jaw pain and headaches.

Imagine waking up every morning with a dull headache at your temples and a jaw that clicks and aches when you eat breakfast. Your partner says you make a grinding noise at night. You’ve been through a stressful few months at work. At your next check-up, the dentist points to flat, worn edges on your teeth and asks: “Are you under a lot of pressure lately?”

Signs of teeth grinding

• Waking with a headache, earache or jaw pain
• Aching facial muscles or a stiff jaw, especially in the morning
• Worn, flattened, chipped or sensitive teeth
• Clicking or locking of the jaw joint
• A partner hearing grinding noises at night
• Poor sleep

Common causes

• Stress and anxiety
• Sleep problems, including snoring and sleep apnoea
• Alcohol, caffeine, smoking and some recreational drugs
• Some medicines, including some antidepressants
• Daytime habits such as clenching while concentrating

How to protect your teeth and jaw

• A mouthguard or splint fitted by a dentist protects teeth from wear at night
• Stress management: exercise, relaxation, talking therapies such as CBT
• Better sleep habits, and cutting back on alcohol and caffeine, especially in the evening
• Daytime awareness: rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth with lips together and teeth apart
• Jaw exercises and warm compresses for muscle pain

But when could it be something else?

If you snore loudly, stop breathing or gasp at night, and feel very sleepy during the day, ask about sleep apnoea, which can be linked to grinding. See a dentist or doctor if your jaw locks, you can’t open your mouth fully, or pain is severe. Children often grind their teeth and usually grow out of it, but mention it at their dental check-up.

Sources: NHS (Teeth grinding), American Dental Association (MouthHealthy), Oral Health Foundation, US National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from your own nurse, doctor or dentist.