Originally published June 14, 2017. Updated September 25, 2026.
Teeth grinding, known medically as bruxism, is the habit of grinding, clenching, or thrusting the jaw, and most people who do it are not aware of it. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) notes that it can happen while awake or asleep and that, left untreated, frequent bruxism can cause tooth pain, cracked enamel, and damage to teeth and dental work. Because the damage builds slowly, a dental exam is often the first place it is noticed. This guide explains the causes and signs of teeth grinding, how night guards work, and what else can help.
What is bruxism?
According to NIDCR, bruxism refers to habits like teeth grinding, clenching, and jaw thrusting that often happen unconsciously. Cleveland Clinic describes two forms. Awake bruxism happens during the day and often eases when stress is managed. Sleep bruxism is harder to catch because you do not realize it is happening, and it more often needs treatment.
What causes teeth grinding?
There is usually no single cause. NIDCR links bruxism to coffee, alcohol, smoking, stress, anxiety, depression, and certain psychiatric medications, and notes that it tends to run in families. MedlinePlus says daily stress may be the trigger in many people. Cleveland Clinic also lists heavy caffeine intake and certain antidepressants, and it reports an association with sleep apnea, although that relationship is still being studied. If you snore or wake unrefreshed, see our guide to sleep apnea and your teeth.
What are the signs of bruxism?
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Sore jaw muscles, or jaw or ear pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
- Ringing in the ears, or trouble opening and closing your mouth
- A partner who hears grinding at night
How does teeth grinding damage your mouth?
Repeated grinding wears down enamel and can crack teeth and damage fillings and crowns, as NIDCR explains. MedlinePlus adds that bruxism can cause permanent tooth damage, fractured teeth, and receding gums, along with jaw pain, headaches, and ear pain. Cleveland Clinic warns that chronic grinding can also contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Read more in our guides to TMJ disorders, gum recession, and tooth sensitivity.
How do night guards work?
A night guard, also called an occlusal splint, is a custom-fitted plastic guard worn over the teeth, usually while sleeping. It creates a barrier so your teeth grind against the guard instead of each other. NIDCR recommends custom-fitted mouthguards to protect teeth, and Cleveland Clinic calls a custom mouth guard the primary treatment. MedlinePlus is candid about the limits: splints may protect teeth, but symptoms sometimes return when the appliance is not used. In other words, a night guard protects your smile, and the habit itself is addressed with the other steps below. Ask our restorative dentistry team about a custom night guard.
What else helps with teeth grinding?
- Manage stress. NIDCR recommends relaxation techniques such as meditation, and stress management therapy when needed.
- Adjust habits. Reduce caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, and keep a regular sleep schedule.
- Soothe sore muscles. MedlinePlus suggests ice or damp heat on sore jaw muscles, and avoiding hard foods and chewing gum.
- Consider physical therapy. NIDCR notes that jaw and neck exercises from a physical therapist can help.
- Talk about other options. For severe cases, Cleveland Clinic mentions muscle relaxants for short-term use and Botox injections, which need to be repeated. These are decisions for you and your doctor.
When should you see a dentist about teeth grinding?
See a dentist if you wake with jaw pain or headaches, notice worn or chipped teeth, or hear grinding at night. MedlinePlus advises contacting a dentist right away if you have trouble eating or opening your mouth, or if self-care has not helped within several weeks. Dentists can identify bruxism from tooth wear and jaw muscle tenderness and recommend the right treatment or refer you to a specialist. Children who grind their teeth can be evaluated by our pediatric dentistry team.
Frequently asked questions about teeth grinding
What causes teeth grinding?
Bruxism has several linked factors. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research lists coffee, alcohol, smoking, stress, anxiety, depression, and certain psychiatric medications. It can also run in families, and it is sometimes associated with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common signs are waking with a sore jaw or a headache, tooth sensitivity, and visibly worn or chipped teeth. A partner may also hear the grinding. Your dentist can check for wear and jaw muscle tenderness.
Does a night guard stop teeth grinding?
A night guard protects your teeth from wear and damage, but it does not necessarily stop the habit. MedlinePlus notes that splints may protect teeth but symptoms can return when they are not worn. Stress management and lifestyle changes address the underlying triggers.
Are over-the-counter night guards as good as custom ones?
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends custom-fitted mouthguards for tooth protection. A dentist can make one that fits your bite and is comfortable enough to wear every night.
Do children grow out of teeth grinding?
Often, yes. Bruxism is more common in children, and Cleveland Clinic notes that many outgrow it by adolescence. Still, mention it to your child's dentist if you hear grinding or see worn teeth.
Worried about teeth grinding?
We can check your teeth and jaw for signs of grinding and talk through a night guard or other options that fit you.
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Quick takeaways
- Bruxism is grinding, clenching, or thrusting the jaw, often without knowing it.
- Stress, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, some medications, sleep disorders, and family history are linked to it.
- Signs include morning headaches, jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, and worn or chipped teeth.
- A custom night guard protects teeth but may not stop the habit.
- Stress management and lifestyle changes help address the cause.
- See a dentist if you have jaw pain, worn teeth, or trouble opening your mouth.
Sources
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH. Ask the Expert: Bruxism (Tooth Grinding).
- MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Bruxism. Reviewed February 2026.
- Cleveland Clinic. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment.
- American Dental Association. TMJ. MouthHealthy.org.
