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Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Signs, Causes and Treatment

Many people grind or clench their teeth, often in their sleep and without knowing it. Here is how to spot it, what it is linked to, and how a dentist can protect your teeth.

Updated September 2026·By the OHA editorial team·7 min read·How we write
Key takeaways
  • Bruxism is grinding or clenching your teeth when you are not eating. It can happen while you are awake or asleep, and many people do not know they do it.
  • It is often linked to stress and anxiety, and also to sleep problems such as snoring and sleep apnoea, smoking, alcohol, caffeine and some medicines.
  • It can wear down, chip or crack teeth and fillings, and cause jaw pain, headaches and earache.
  • Not everyone needs treatment. A dentist can make a custom-fitted mouthguard or splint to wear at night to protect your teeth.
  • Dealing with the cause, such as stress or a sleep problem, is an important part of treatment.

Bruxism is the medical name for grinding or clenching your teeth in a way that is not part of normal chewing. It affects both children and adults. The US National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) says many cases are mild and may not need treatment, but severe bruxism can damage teeth and cause jaw pain and headaches.

Because it often happens during sleep, you may not know you do it. healthdirect Australia and the Australian Dental Association both note that a bed partner may be the first to notice. The American Dental Association says dentists and dental hygienists are often the first to spot the signs on the teeth.

Does it happen at night or during the day?

Both, but the sources do not fully agree on which is more common:

  • NIDCR says grinding or clenching while awake is more common, but grinding during sleep has been studied more.
  • The American Dental Association says most people grind their teeth while they are sleeping, and many also clench or grind during the day, especially when tense, worried or under pressure.

What are the signs of teeth grinding?

The NHS, NIDCR, healthdirect and the Australian Dental Association list signs and symptoms including:

  • worn-down, flattened, chipped, cracked or loose teeth, and worn enamel (the hard outer layer of the tooth)
  • teeth that are sensitive or painful
  • cracked, broken or lost fillings
  • sore, tight or tired jaw muscles, and stiffness in the face and temples, especially in the morning
  • jaw joints that feel sore while eating
  • headaches, facial pain, earache or neck pain
  • disturbed sleep, for you and sometimes for the person next to you

healthdirect notes that some people see their doctor about headaches or a sore neck and find that grinding is the cause, and that some people who grind have no symptoms at all.

Jaw pain is not always caused by grinding. The American Dental Association lists other possible causes, including sinus problems, infections, arthritis, injuries, gum disease and problems with the jaw joint itself. Your dentist can examine you to work out what is going on.

What causes teeth grinding?

The NHS says it is not always clear why people grind their teeth. The factors the sources link to it are:

  • Stress and anxiety. The NHS calls this the most common cause.
  • Sleep problems, such as snoring and sleep apnoea, which the NHS describes as your breathing stopping and starting while you sleep. healthdirect says people who grind their teeth in their sleep may be more likely to have other sleep disorders.
  • Smoking, alcohol and caffeine. The NHS, NIDCR, healthdirect and the Australian Dental Association all list these. The American Dental Association reports one study which found that people who smoke or drink alcohol or coffee were twice as likely to grind their teeth.
  • Some medicines. The NHS mentions medicines for sleep problems, depression or anxiety. NIDCR mentions certain medicines for depression, seizures and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Recreational drugs, such as cocaine, ecstasy and methamphetamine, according to healthdirect and the Australian Dental Association.
  • Other factors. NIDCR lists a person's genes. The American Dental Association mentions teeth that do not line up properly, and missing or crooked teeth.

Teeth grinding in children

healthdirect says young children sometimes grind their teeth but usually grow out of it, and the American Dental Association says many outgrow it by adolescence. It adds that because children's teeth and jaws are growing quickly, grinding does not always cause serious damage, and that in children it is not usually caused by stress. The NHS suggests seeing a dentist if you are worried about your child grinding their teeth.

What damage can it do?

healthdirect says mild bruxism may cause little harm, while more serious grinding can damage or crack teeth and cause facial pain and poor sleep. The NHS says worn-down or broken teeth can lead to increased sensitivity and the loss of teeth and fillings, and that a painful jaw can lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a problem affecting the jaw joint. The Australian Dental Association notes that severe wear can change how your smile looks and, in extreme cases, badly damaged teeth may need to be removed. It stresses that treating grinding early is important.

How is teeth grinding treated?

The NHS, healthdirect and the Australian Dental Association all say treatment is not always needed. When it is, healthdirect says it is common to use more than one approach.

A mouthguard or splint from your dentist

A dentist may recommend a mouthguard or splint to wear at night to protect your teeth, the NHS says. The Australian Dental Association calls this an occlusal splint (also known as a bite splint or night guard): a hard plastic appliance, made by your dentist to fit you, that covers part of your upper or lower teeth but not your gums.

Sources differ slightly on what a splint does beyond protection:

  • The Australian Dental Association says a splint will not stop you grinding, but protects the teeth from wear and damage and reduces strain on the face and jaw muscles and joints.
  • NIDCR says a mouth guard separates the teeth, prevents tooth damage, and may reduce muscle activity from grinding and clenching.

A night guard is not the same as a sports mouthguard, which the American Dental Association says has extra cushioning that is unlikely to be comfortable for sleep. The Australian Dental Association suggests taking your splint to routine check-ups so your dentist can make sure it still fits, and replacing it if it becomes worn, bent or broken.

Dealing with stress and sleep

The sources suggest relaxation such as breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness, yoga or regular exercise, and counselling. The NHS suggests going to bed at the same time every night, relaxing before bed, and keeping your bedroom dark and quiet. A GP can give advice on reducing stress and help with smoking, alcohol or drug use. In Australia, the Australian Dental Association points people to support services such as Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).

If your dentist thinks you grind in your sleep, healthdirect and the Australian Dental Association say they may refer you to a doctor or sleep specialist to be checked for sleep apnoea. NIDCR explains that a sleep study uses sensors to monitor things like your brain activity, heart rate and breathing while you sleep. NIDCR describes it as usually done at a sleep centre, but the NHS says the tests can usually be done at home, sometimes with an overnight stay in a sleep clinic. See mouth devices for snoring and sleep apnoea.

If you clench during the day, NIDCR suggests setting reminders, such as notes or a phone timer, to keep your teeth apart.

Repairing damage and easing jaw pain

Chipped or worn teeth may need fillings or crowns (caps that cover the whole tooth), according to the Australian Dental Association and NIDCR. healthdirect mentions physiotherapy to relieve jaw muscle pain.

For jaw pain at home, the NHS suggests painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel for 20 to 30 minutes. It advises not chewing gum or eating hard foods while your teeth or jaw hurt.

When to see a dentist
  • You grind your teeth and have damaged, worn or sensitive teeth.
  • You have pain in your jaw, face or ear, or your jaw feels stiff or sore in the mornings.
  • Your partner says you grind your teeth in your sleep.
  • You have cracked or broken fillings, or teeth that feel loose.
  • You are worried about your child grinding their teeth.
  • See a GP if you need help with things linked to grinding, such as stress, anxiety, smoking, drinking or drug use, or if your breathing stops and starts while you sleep.

Frequently asked questions

Will a mouthguard stop me grinding my teeth?

Probably not on its own. The Australian Dental Association says a splint will not stop you grinding, but it protects your teeth and eases strain on your jaw. NIDCR says a mouth guard may reduce the muscle activity from grinding. Tackling the cause is the other half of treatment.

Can I buy a night guard instead of getting one from a dentist?

The American Dental Association says night guards sold online and in shops may not give the same protection as a custom guard made by your dentist, which gives the closest and most comfortable fit.

How do I know if I grind my teeth in my sleep?

You may not know. Clues include a sore or stiff jaw or a dull headache when you wake up, teeth that look worn or feel sensitive, or a partner hearing you grind. Your dentist can look for signs at your regular check-ups.

Sources

  1. Teeth grinding (bruxism), NHS, accessed September 2026
  2. Sleep apnoea, NHS, accessed September 2026
  3. Root canal treatment, NHS, accessed September 2026
  4. Teeth grinding (bruxism), healthdirect Australia, accessed September 2026
  5. Teeth grinding, Australian Dental Association, accessed September 2026
  6. Bruxism, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH), accessed September 2026
  7. Teeth grinding, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy), accessed September 2026

This article is general information about oral health. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a dentist or doctor who knows your situation. If you have pain, swelling, bleeding that does not settle, or a problem that is getting worse, see a dental professional. In an emergency, contact your local emergency service.

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