Bruxism is excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching. It occurs at times other than eating or talking. It is a common problem affecting 8–31% of the general population. Bruxism causes hypersensitive teeth, aching jaw muscles, headaches, tooth wear, damage to dental restorations (e.g. crowns and fillings) and damage to teeth.

The tooth grinding can occur during sleep or during wakefulness. Dental damage may be similar in both cases. The symptoms of sleep bruxism tend to be worse on waking and improve during the course of the day, whereas the symptoms of awake bruxism may not be present at all on waking, and then worsen over the day.

The causes of bruxism are not well understood and various factors seem to influence it, but social stress seems to be commonly involved. Several treatments are in use, including medications, psychological intervention, stress relief therapies, dental guards (to reduce further damage) and dental treatment.

Bruxism is a condition where a person grinds, clenches, or gnashes his or her teeth; it can occur when awake or asleep. Bruxism that happens while a person is awake is more common, but bruxism that happens during sleep has been studied more. Children as well as adults can have this condition.

Many cases of bruxism are mild and may not require treatment; however, severe bruxism can lead to damaged teeth, jaw pain or tiredness, and headache. Since it is possible to grind your teeth in your sleep or be otherwise unaware that bruxism is occurring, it is important to know the signs and symptoms and receive regular dental care.

Several factors appear to have a role in the development of the condition. They include:

• Psychosocial factors: Stress, mood, distress, nervousness, and “feeling blue.”
• A person’s genes.
• Consuming alcohol or caffeine.
• Smoking.
• Medications: Certain medicines used to treat depression, seizures, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may increase the chances of having bruxism.

See the chart below for a list of signs and symptoms.

See the chart below to learn how your dentist may diagnose bruxism.

Here are some possible treatments you may wish to discuss with your healthcare provider(s):

Do you wake up with a tired or sore jaw in the morning? It could be a sign that you’re grinding or clenching your teeth at night. Over time, this can damage your teeth and lead to jaw problems. It can cause teeth to crack, loosen, and even fall out.

Teeth grinding and clenching—also called bruxism—can cause serious issues if left untreated. And people aren’t always aware that they’re doing it.

“Someone may not know they grind their teeth at night until they’re told by a bedtime partner,” explains Dr. Dena Fischer, a dental health expert at NIH.

You can grind your teeth during the daytime, too—although clenching your jaw is more common. Some experts think of daytime and nighttime bruxism as separate conditions. They may have different causes.

Your dentist may spot the tell-tale signs of teeth grinding and clenching. These can include wear and early cracks on the outer layer of the tooth. Teeth grinding and clenching can cause a dull headache or tired jaw muscles. Often, nighttime teeth grinding isn’t diagnosed until there are significant symptoms.

Teeth grinding and clenching while awake is easier to recognize. It’s thought to be caused by stress and anxiety. Some people may also grind or clench their teeth while deep in concentration. Once you realize that you’re doing it, it’s important to figure out when and why.

Situations that are stressful or frustrating can trigger the behavior. “People often mention that they grind or clench their teeth while driving in traffic,” Fischer says.

How do you treat bruxism? Fischer helps patients by having them set reminders to check their habits. People who grind or clench their teeth during traffic may find it helpful to put a sticky note on the wheel reminding them to relax their jaw. Setting an alarm to go off regularly at your desk can help if you tend to clench your teeth while deep in thought.

“An alarm or sticky note can be used as a reminder to make sure that your teeth are apart,” Fischer says. “Tell yourself ‘lips apart and teeth apart’ to help make sure clenching isn’t occurring.”

Activities that reduce stress, like yoga and meditation, may help lessen daytime teeth clenching. Counseling can help you learn to manage intense emotions, which may also ease the habit.

If these strategies don’t help, you may consider wearing a plastic mouthguard while awake. Fischer says that a “boil and bite” mouthguard from a store may be enough to stop the problem.

Teeth grinding and clenching at night are usually treated with a mouthguard as well. A dentist can make you a custom fitted guard to protect your teeth. You also may need to be tested for sleep disorders.

Researchers are examining if issues like sleep apnea, which cause people to stop breathing, contribute to nighttime teeth grinding. They’re looking at whether brain activity and sleep stages are linked to sleep bruxism.

If you think you may be grinding or clenching your teeth, talk to a dentist. They can evaluate your mouth and recommend treatments.

Sometimes dentists will recommend reshaping the surfaces of your teeth to change your bite. But Fischer advises against approaches that permanently alter your teeth. She says to seek a second opinion and try less invasive treatment options first.

Easing Teeth Grinding and Clenching

• Try to reduce your daily stress and use relaxation techniques.
• Practice good sleep habits. Seek treatment for sleep problems.
• Apply ice or wet heat to sore jaw muscles.
• Avoid eating hard or dense foods. Don’t chew gum.
• Find ways to relax your face and jaw muscles throughout the day. The goal is to make facial relaxation a habit.
• Schedule regular dental exams. Your dentist can spot early signs of teeth grinding.

• Visit your dentist regularly. Regular dental exams will give your dentist an opportunity to spot the signs of bruxism.
• Try relaxing activities like yoga or meditation. Counseling may also help with stress reduction.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Don’t smoke.
• Set reminders to yourself (such as written notes or a timer on your cell phone) to keep your teeth apart if you grind or clench during the day.