Many people grind or clench their teeth without knowing it, often while they sleep. Occasional grinding may do little harm, but regular grinding can wear teeth down, crack fillings and cause jaw pain and headaches. This guide explains the signs, causes and how a dentist can help.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding (moving the teeth side to side) or clenching (pressing them together hard). It can happen during sleep, known as sleep bruxism, or during the day, known as awake bruxism, often while concentrating, driving or feeling stressed.
Signs you might be grinding
- a partner hears grinding at night
- waking with a sore jaw, tight face muscles or a dull headache, especially around the temples
- teeth that look flat, chipped or shorter than they used to
- increased tooth sensitivity
- cracked teeth, fillings or crowns
- scalloped edges on your tongue or a ridge inside your cheek
- jaw clicking, stiffness or difficulty opening wide
- earache with no ear problem
Your dentist can often spot wear patterns at a check-up before you notice any symptoms.
What causes it?
There’s rarely a single cause. Contributing factors can include:
- stress and anxiety
- sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnoea
- caffeine, alcohol and smoking
- some medications, including certain antidepressants
- some recreational drugs
- concentration or habit during the day
If you snore heavily, stop breathing briefly during sleep or feel exhausted despite a full night’s sleep, mention it to your doctor, as grinding can sometimes be linked to sleep apnoea. Read more about sleep and dental health.
How grinding affects your teeth
The forces involved in grinding can be much higher than normal chewing. Over time, this can:
- wear away enamel, exposing softer dentine
- cause chips and cracks, sometimes needing crowns or root canal treatment
- break fillings, crowns and veneers
- loosen teeth where gums are already weakened
- strain the jaw joints and muscles (temporomandibular disorders)
Night guards (occlusal splints)
The most common dental treatment for sleep grinding is a custom night guard, also called an occlusal splint. It’s a hard or dual-layer acrylic appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth.
A night guard doesn’t necessarily stop you grinding, but it protects your teeth by taking the wear instead, and it can spread the forces more evenly, which may ease muscle and jaw discomfort for some people.
Custom vs over-the-counter guards
Pharmacy guards are soft and loosely fitted. Some people find they chew on soft guards, which can make clenching worse. A custom guard made from a scan or impression of your teeth fits precisely, is adjusted to your bite, and is usually more comfortable and durable.
Getting a night guard
- Your dentist examines your teeth, jaw and bite.
- A scan or impressions are taken.
- The guard is made in a lab.
- At the fitting, your dentist checks comfort and adjusts the bite.
- A follow-up visit allows further adjustments.
Custom occlusal splints (night guards) at Parramatta Dentistry start from $730. Conditions apply.
Caring for your night guard
- Brush your teeth before putting it in.
- Rinse and gently brush the guard each morning with cool water.
- Store it dry in its case, away from pets.
- Bring it to your check-ups so it can be inspected.
Other things that can help
- Notice daytime clenching and practise resting your jaw with lips together and teeth apart.
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening.
- Look at stress management, exercise and sleep habits.
- See a physiotherapist experienced in jaw disorders if you have ongoing jaw pain.
Protecting cosmetic work
If you have veneers, crowns or implants, grinding can shorten their life. Your dentist may recommend a night guard as part of your treatment plan.
Book a check-up if you think you may be grinding, and read about crowns if a tooth is already worn or cracked.
Frequently asked questions
Can children grind their teeth?
Yes, grinding is common in young children and often stops as they grow. Most children don’t need a night guard, as their teeth and jaws are still changing. Mention it to your dentist at your child’s check-up.
Will a night guard stop me grinding?
Not necessarily, but it protects your teeth and restorations from wear and damage, and may ease jaw and muscle discomfort for some people.
How long does a night guard last?
With good care, a custom night guard can last several years. Heavy grinders may wear through them faster. Bring it to your check-ups so it can be checked.
Is jaw clicking a sign of grinding?
Jaw clicking can be linked to grinding and clenching, but it has other causes too. If it comes with pain, locking or difficulty opening, see your dentist.
Can Botox help teeth grinding?
Botulinum toxin injections are sometimes used to relax the jaw muscles. This is a medical treatment with its own risks and costs, and evidence is still developing. Talk to an appropriately qualified practitioner if you’re considering it.
Book at Parramatta Dentistry
Parramatta Dentistry is at Suite 25, Level 3, 27 Hunter Street, Parramatta, a short walk from Parramatta Station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and HICAPS is on site, so you can claim from your health fund on the day and pay only the gap, if there is one. Call (02) 8090 1109 or book online.
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personalised advice from your dentist.