Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth. It often happens during sleep but can also occur while awake, especially during times of stress or concentration. Occasional clenching is common, but when it happens often, it can place extra strain on the teeth, jaw muscles, and jaw joints (TMJ).
Ongoing bruxism may cause tooth wear, jaw fatigue, or general facial tension. Recognising these signs early and discussing them with a dentist can help identify possible causes and guide suitable care to support comfort and protect oral health.
Understanding Bruxism
Bruxism is usually grouped into two main types:
- Sleep bruxism: occurs unconsciously during sleep.
- Awake bruxism: happens while awake and is often linked to stress, focus, or habit.
The frequency and strength of clenching or grinding can differ from person to person. Some may grind only at times, while others apply more constant pressure, which can affect the teeth, gums, and muscles around the jaw.
Because it often happens during sleep, many people may not realise it is occurring until a dentist observes signs such as tooth wear, jaw tightness, or facial tension.
Common Causes of Bruxism
Bruxism can arise from a combination of physical, emotional, and behavioural factors. Common contributing factors include:
- Stress and Anxiety: Stress-related muscle tension is one of the most frequent causes of bruxism. Emotional stress can lead to subconscious clenching or grinding, especially during sleep.
- Bite or Alignment Irregularities: When teeth do not fit together evenly, the jaw muscles may overwork to compensate, increasing the likelihood of grinding.
- Sleep Disorders: Conditions such as sleep apnoea or snoring may be associated with bruxism, as the body attempts to maintain airway flow by tightening the jaw muscles.
- Lifestyle Factors: Excessive caffeine intake, alcohol consumption, and smoking can increase muscle activity during sleep and contribute to grinding.
- Medications and Neurological Factors: Certain medications or medical conditions can increase the risk of bruxism. The dentist or doctor can help assess whether these may play a role.
- Habits and Concentration: Some people clench their teeth unconsciously while focusing on tasks, such as reading, driving, or working on a computer. Over time, this can lead to muscular fatigue.
Often, more than one factor contributes to bruxism, so a comprehensive assessment is important to determine the underlying causes.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Because bruxism can develop gradually, its signs may not be obvious at first. Over time, the effects on teeth and muscles may become more noticeable. Symptoms can include:
- Grinding or clenching noises during sleep (often noticed by a partner)
- Jaw soreness or stiffness upon waking
- Headaches, particularly around the temples
- Tooth wear, flattening, or chipping
- Increased tooth sensitivity due to enamel wear
- Muscle fatigue or tightness in the cheeks or temples
- Ear discomfort or a feeling of pressure near the ears
- Pain or clicking in the jaw joint
In more advanced cases, bruxism can lead to cracked teeth, gum recession, or difficulty opening the mouth fully.
How Bruxism Affects Oral Health
Regular clenching or grinding can place extra pressure on the teeth, gums, and jaw. Over time, this may cause worn or flattened teeth, small cracks or chips, and sensitivity if the enamel becomes thin. The gums and muscles that support the teeth can also be affected, leading to tension or discomfort in the jaw, face, or neck.
If bruxism continues for a long period, it can strain the jaw joints (TMJ) and make movement feel tight or uncomfortable. Identifying these signs early allows the dentist to check the cause and suggest ways to protect the teeth and jaw from further stress.
Diagnosing Bruxism
Diagnosis typically involves a dental examination and discussion about your symptoms, lifestyle, and sleep patterns. The dentist may:
- Examine the teeth for signs of wear, fractures, or flattening
- Assess jaw movement and muscle tenderness
- Evaluate bite alignment and occlusion (how the teeth meet)
- Discuss any associated symptoms, such as headaches or jaw discomfort
- In some cases, refer you for a sleep study to check for associated conditions such as sleep apnoea.
This comprehensive assessment helps determine whether the grinding is occasional, habitual, or linked to another underlying issue.
