Grinding your teeth—also known as bruxism—can damage your smile and affect your jaw health. Many people are unaware they grind their teeth at night until symptoms like jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, or worn teeth show up. Left untreated, grinding can lead to long-term problems with your teeth and jaw joints.
Understanding the causes and knowing how to manage or stop this habit can prevent its negative effects. This guide walks you through what teeth grinding is, why it happens, and what you can do about it.
What Is Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding involves clenching or moving the lower teeth against the upper teeth. It mostly happens during sleep, which is called sleep bruxism. Though some people grind their teeth while awake due to stress or focus, nighttime grinding often goes unnoticed until symptoms appear.
Grinding can wear down enamel, stress the jaw muscles, and strain the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)—the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. This repeated motion puts pressure on your entire chewing system, especially during deep sleep.
Common Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
Knowing the signs can help you catch the habit early. If you’re dealing with any of the following, you may be grinding your teeth:
- Sore jaw or tightness in the jaw muscles
- Jaw joint discomfort or clicking
- Tooth sensitivity or aching teeth
- Flattened or chipped teeth
- Morning headaches
- Interrupted sleep or poor sleep quality
Talk to your dentist if you notice these issues. They can check for tooth wear or damage and may recommend further evaluation if sleep disorders are suspected.
Causes of Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding can happen for different reasons, often involving a mix of physical and emotional factors. Stress and anxiety are common triggers, especially when they cause tension in the jaw muscles and lead to unconscious clenching.
For many people, grinding is linked to sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing lapses during sleep may contribute to muscle tension and jaw movement.
Another cause is misalignment between the upper and lower teeth, which can put uneven pressure on the jaw and encourage grinding during rest or periods of focus. Certain medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have also been linked to more frequent teeth grinding.
Lifestyle habits play a role as well. People who use tobacco, drink alcohol, or consume large amounts of caffeine may be more likely to develop this condition.
In children, grinding often occurs as baby teeth come in or fall out. This usually passes on its own, but when the habit continues into adulthood, it often requires treatment.
The Impact on Oral Health
Grinding your teeth can cause damage well beyond the surface of your smile. One of the most noticeable effects is the wearing down of enamel, which can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and a higher risk of decay. In some cases, repeated grinding causes small fractures or chips in the teeth, and it may even damage crowns or fillings.
Over time, the constant pressure and movement can irritate the jaw joint and lead to TMJ discomfort. This might show up as pain when opening or closing the mouth, or a clicking or locking sensation in the joint. Some people also experience soreness in the jaw muscles, especially after waking up.
If teeth grinding is tied to a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea, the effects can go beyond oral health. Poor sleep quality can lead to daytime fatigue and put extra strain on your heart and lungs. That’s why treating the root cause is often just as important as addressing the damage done to your teeth and jaw.
How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth
The best way to address teeth grinding depends on its cause. Addressing the root problem can reduce or stop the behavior.
1. Use a Night Guard
A custom night guard fits over your teeth and protects them from grinding during sleep. While it doesn’t stop the movement, it prevents further tooth wear and eases pressure on your jaw muscles and joints.
Your dentist can provide a night guard tailored to your bite. Over-the-counter versions are available but may not offer the same level of protection or comfort.
2. Practice Relaxation Techniques
If stress is a key factor, relaxation can help reduce grinding. Try one or more of the following before bed:
- Breathing exercises
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Listening to calming music
- Light stretching
These methods can reduce muscle tension and help prepare your body for sleep—especially if you experience tension in the jaw or shoulders as the day winds down.
3. Adjust Your Habits
Certain behaviors make grinding worse. Pay attention to what you do during the day and before bedtime.
- Avoid chewing on pens or biting your nails
- Limit caffeine later in the day
- Cut back on alcohol and nicotine, both of which affect sleep
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule
When to See a Dentist
If self-care doesn’t help or if you notice worsening symptoms, it’s time to seek professional advice. See your dentist in Gahanna if:
- You wake up with frequent jaw pain or a sore jaw
- You notice increased tooth pain or cracks in your teeth
- You hear popping or clicking in your jaw joint
- Your partner notices grinding or noises while you sleep
In some cases, your dentist might refer you to a sleep specialist if they suspect an underlying sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. Treating the sleep disorder can often reduce sleep bruxism and improve your overall rest.
Being aware of when you clench your jaw during the day can help train your muscles to relax over time.
Protect Your Smile by Addressing the Grind
Teeth grinding can seem minor at first but has real consequences over time. From tooth wear to chronic jaw pain, it affects both your oral health and sleep.
Start by paying attention to symptoms like tooth sensitivity or jaw discomfort. Use a night guard, adjust daily habits, and explore relaxation techniques to address the issue. If pain or grinding continues, a dentist can guide you through next steps, which may include sleep studies or dental corrections.
The sooner you take action, the easier it is to protect your teeth, jaw, and long-term health.