Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Bruxism refers to the habit of teeth grinding or clenching. This common condition can occur during waking hours (awake bruxism) or while sleeping (sleep bruxism).

Most people with awake bruxism don’t realize they’re doing it. Sleep bruxism is classified as a sleep-related movement disorder and often goes unnoticed until dental problems develop.

People who grind their teeth during sleep commonly experience other sleep issues. These include:

• Snoring
• Sleep apnea (breathing pauses during sleep)
• Disrupted sleep for bed partners due to grinding sounds

When bruxism becomes problematic:

• Causes jaw pain and headaches
• Damages tooth enamel and structure
• Creates tension in facial muscles
• May lead to tooth sensitivity

Many individuals only discover they have sleep bruxism during regular dental checkups when their dentist notices signs of wear on their teeth.

The condition can vary in severity, with some people experiencing occasional episodes while others grind their teeth nightly.

Symptoms

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, comes with several noticeable signs. You might hear loud grinding sounds during sleep, which can sometimes wake up anyone sharing your bed.

Physical damage to teeth is often visible. This includes flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose teeth. The protective enamel may wear down, exposing deeper tooth layers and causing pain or sensitivity.

Jaw-related symptoms are common. These include:

• Tired or tight jaw muscles
• Difficulty opening or closing your jaw completely
• Popping or clicking jaw sounds
• Pain in the jaw, neck, or face
• Enlarged jaw muscles

Some people experience pain that resembles an earache, though ears are not the actual problem. Dull headaches starting at the temples (sides of the head between forehead and ears) often occur. Sleep disruption is another possible symptom.

When Should You Seek Help

Contact your dentist if you notice any signs of teeth grinding or have concerns about your teeth or jaw. Parents should mention any grinding symptoms they observe in their children during dental appointments.

If you wake up with jaw pain or headaches, or if your sleep partner notices grinding sounds, these may be signs worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

Causes

Bruxism’s exact cause remains unclear, but several factors likely play a role. The condition typically falls into two main categories:

Awake Bruxism

• Often triggered by emotional states like stress, anxiety, or frustration
• May occur during deep concentration or thinking
• Can develop as a coping mechanism for difficult emotions

Sleep Bruxism

• Considered a sleep-related movement disorder
• Associated with brief arousals or disturbances during sleep
• Often happens unconsciously while the person sleeps

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the chance of developing teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism):

Stress and Emotions

• Increased anxiety or stress levels
• Feelings of anger and frustration

Age Considerations

Young children commonly experience bruxism, but this habit typically disappears by adulthood.

Personal Traits

People with aggressive, competitive, or hyperactive personalities may face higher risks of developing bruxism.

Daily Habits

Regular behaviors can contribute to daytime bruxism, including:

• Frequent lip, tongue, or cheek biting
• Extended periods of gum chewing

Substances and Medications

• Tobacco use
• Caffeine consumption
• Alcohol intake
• Recreational drug use
• Certain medications, including some antidepressants, seizure medications, and ADHD treatments

Genetic Factors

Sleep bruxism often runs in families. If you grind your teeth, your relatives might have similar experiences.

Related Health Conditions

Bruxism sometimes connects to other health issues:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Dementia
• Acid reflux (GERD)
• Epilepsy
• Night terrors
• Sleep disorders like sleep apnea
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Complications

Most people with bruxism won’t face serious problems. However, severe teeth grinding can lead to several issues:

Dental damage:

• Bruxism may harm your teeth, jaw, fillings, and crowns.
• It can also damage other dental work.

Pain issues:

• Tension headaches
• Severe jaw or facial pain

TMJ problems:

• The temporomandibular joints (located in front of your ears) can develop issues.
• These issues can cause pain and create clicking sounds when opening or closing your mouth.

If you experience any of these symptoms, talking with a healthcare provider is important to prevent further complications.