On this page · 6 sections
01Why it matters
The forces involved in grinding and clenching can be much stronger than normal chewing. Over months and years, that pressure can flatten and chip teeth, wear through tooth enamel, crack teeth or fillings, and loosen dental work such as a crown. It can also strain the jaw joints, called the temporomandibular joints or TMJ, and the muscles around them.
Many people with sleep bruxism do not know they grind. Often a bed partner hears it, or a dentist sees worn teeth during an exam.
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Frequent grinding or clenching can wear down teeth, crack fillings, and cause jaw pain, headaches and sore facial muscles. It can happen awake or asleep, often without noticing.
02Signs and causes
- Grinding sounds at night that others notice.
- Flattened, chipped, or worn teeth, or new tooth sensitivity.
- A sore or tired jaw, especially in the morning.
- Dull headaches that start near the temples.
- Jaw clicking, or trouble opening the mouth fully.
- Marks or ridges on the inside of the cheeks or the edges of the tongue.
The exact cause is not always clear. Bruxism is linked with stress, anxiety and sleep problems such as sleep apnea. Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and some medicines, including certain antidepressants, are linked too.
It is also common in children, many of whom outgrow it. If you snore loudly or wake up gasping, talk with your physician, since sleep apnea can be linked with grinding.
03What happens
The dentist looks for wear patterns on your teeth, checks your jaw muscles and joints, and asks about your sleep, stress, and habits. If bruxism is causing damage, the dentist can explain your options. A common approach is a custom-fitted mouthguard worn at night to cushion the teeth.
Other steps include managing stress, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol in the evening, and repairing damaged teeth. When a sleep disorder or medication may be involved, the dentist may suggest you talk with your physician.
04Cost factors
What treatment costs depends on:
- Whether worn or cracked teeth need fillings, crowns, or other repairs.
- Which teeth are affected and the materials used.
- Whether a mouthguard is recommended, and where it is made.
- Your dental insurance plan. Call the office to check what your plan covers.
- The option to use CareCredit for care provided at the office.
05How to care for your teeth
- Notice daytime clenching and relax your jaw: lips together, teeth apart.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening.
- Avoid chewing gum, pens, or ice, which keep the jaw muscles working.
- Build a calm bedtime routine to help with stress-related grinding.
- Keep regular checkups so the dentist can catch wear early, before teeth crack.
Think you might be grinding your teeth? Call the office and ask what options are available. Contact the office.
06Questions people ask
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common clues include a sore jaw or headache when you wake up, a bed partner hearing grinding, and teeth that look flat or chipped. The dentist can often spot wear patterns during a routine exam.
Can bruxism damage my teeth permanently?
Yes. Enamel worn away by grinding does not grow back, and severe grinding can crack teeth or dental work. Catching it early lets the dentist recommend ways to protect your teeth before more damage occurs.
Do children grind their teeth?
Yes. Grinding is fairly common in children, especially during sleep, and many outgrow it. Mention it at your child's checkup so the dentist can look for tooth wear and any other concerns.
Dr. Sadek is the family dentist at Americana Family Dental on Americana Blvd in Orlando. He reviews the health information on this site. Review date: [date pending review]