Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, which may occur during sleep or while awake. Persistent grinding can lead to tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and strain on the jaw joint.
Teeth grinding — clinically known as bruxism — is a common condition in which the teeth are repeatedly clenched, ground, or braced together. It can happen during the day as a semi-conscious habit or during sleep without the individual being aware.
While occasional clenching is normal and usually harmless, persistent bruxism can place significant strain on the teeth, jaw muscles, and the temporomandibular joint. Over time, this may lead to visible tooth wear, discomfort, and other dental concerns.
Understanding the signs and contributing factors of bruxism is an important step toward seeking appropriate assessment. A dentist can evaluate the extent of any grinding, identify potential causes, and discuss management options tailored to your needs.
Bruxism is broadly divided into two types. Sleep bruxism involves rhythmic grinding movements of the jaw during sleep, often generating audible sounds that a sleeping partner may notice. The individual is typically unaware of the activity until symptoms develop or a dentist identifies characteristic wear patterns.
Awake bruxism, by contrast, usually manifests as sustained clenching rather than grinding. It is often associated with periods of concentration, stress, or anxiety. Many people develop this habit without realising the forces being placed on their teeth and jaw.
Both forms involve significant muscle activity in the jaw. The forces generated during bruxism can considerably exceed those produced during normal chewing, which is why prolonged grinding or clenching has the potential to affect the teeth, supporting structures, and the jaw joint.
The causes of bruxism are often multifactorial, meaning that several factors may contribute simultaneously. Identifying these factors can help guide appropriate management.
Emotional stress is one of the most commonly cited contributing factors. Increased tension in the jaw muscles may lead to clenching during the day or grinding during sleep.
When the upper and lower teeth do not meet evenly, the jaw muscles may work harder to achieve a comfortable resting position, potentially contributing to grinding.
Crowding, spacing, or poorly aligned teeth can affect how the jaws come together and may be a contributing factor in some cases of bruxism.
Existing issues with the jaw joint or surrounding muscles may be associated with bruxism, and the two conditions can influence one another.
Caffeine consumption, alcohol use, and certain other lifestyle habits have been associated with an increased tendency to grind or clench the teeth.
A dental assessment can help determine which factors may be relevant and inform the most appropriate approach to management.
Many people are unaware that they grind their teeth, particularly if it occurs during sleep. However, bruxism often produces recognisable signs that a dentist can identify:
Grinding can gradually wear down the biting surfaces of teeth, creating a flattened or shortened appearance that a dentist can identify during examination.
Persistent clenching or grinding can lead to aching, stiffness, or fatigue in the jaw muscles, particularly upon waking.
Tension in the jaw muscles during sleep may radiate to the temples and head, causing headaches that are often most noticeable in the morning.
As enamel is worn away by grinding, the underlying dentine may become exposed, leading to increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
The repetitive forces involved in bruxism can weaken tooth structure over time, increasing the risk of cracks, chips, or fractures.
Clicking or popping sounds from the jaw joint may develop as a result of strain placed on the temporomandibular joint through grinding or clenching.
If you recognise any of these signs, a dental assessment can confirm whether bruxism is present and help determine the best course of action.
The cumulative effects of persistent teeth grinding can be significant. Understanding these potential consequences highlights the importance of early assessment and appropriate management:
Grinding causes tooth-to-tooth contact that progressively wears away the protective enamel layer, potentially exposing the softer dentine beneath.
Repeated mechanical stress may cause teeth to crack or fracture, particularly those with existing restorations or structural weaknesses.
The excessive forces associated with bruxism may contribute to gum tissue pulling back from the teeth, exposing root surfaces.
Loss of enamel and potential root exposure can result in heightened sensitivity to temperature changes and certain foods or drinks.
Persistent grinding or clenching places considerable stress on the jaw joint, potentially contributing to pain, restricted movement, or clicking — collectively known as temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD).
Addressing bruxism early may help limit the extent of damage and reduce the need for more complex restorative treatment in future.
Because grinding often occurs during sleep, many people are unaware of the habit until significant wear or symptoms develop. A dental assessment provides an opportunity to identify bruxism before extensive damage occurs.
During the assessment, your dentist will examine wear patterns on the tooth surfaces, check for cracks or fractures, and evaluate the health of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. A bite assessment can also help identify any imbalance that may be contributing to grinding.
In some cases, imaging may be recommended if involvement of the temporomandibular joint is suspected. This helps build a complete picture of the condition and guides treatment planning.
Regular dental reviews are particularly valuable for individuals who grind, as they allow ongoing monitoring of tooth wear and jaw health over time.
Management of bruxism depends on the severity, contributing factors, and the extent of any existing damage. Conservative approaches are often recommended as a first step, with the aim of protecting the teeth and reducing strain on the jaw:
A night guard is a custom-fitted dental appliance worn during sleep that creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. It aims to protect tooth surfaces and may help reduce strain on the jaw muscles and joint.
Where bite imbalance is identified as a contributing factor, your dentist may discuss options to improve how the teeth meet, which may help reduce grinding tendency.
Regular dental reviews allow your dentist to track any changes in tooth wear over time and intervene early if progressive damage is identified.
If teeth have been significantly worn, cracked, or fractured as a result of bruxism, restorative options such as composite bonding, crowns, or other treatments may be discussed.
Where jaw joint symptoms are present alongside bruxism, your dentist may recommend targeted management for temporomandibular dysfunction as part of a comprehensive approach.
Your dentist will discuss the most appropriate options based on the findings of your assessment, taking into account the type and severity of your bruxism.
If you experience jaw discomfort, tooth wear, or morning headaches, assessment by a dentist can help determine whether bruxism is present and whether a night guard or bite review is appropriate. Our dental team can evaluate your teeth and jaw and discuss the management options available to you.
Assessment and management of teeth grinding are available at our London clinics. You can attend our South Kensington dental clinic or our City of London clinic near St Paul's for a professional dental evaluation.
South Kensington Medical & Dental is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the relevant UK regulatory bodies, including the GDC and GMC. Our dentists, dental nurses and medical professionals deliver care that meets the highest clinical, safety and ethical standards, because our patients deserve nothing less.
