Bruxism: Teeth Grinding Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What is bruxism?
Bruxism is repeated squeezing, clenching or rubbing of the teeth, either while awake or during sleep. Signs include worn, chipped or sensitive teeth, painful jaw muscles, temple headaches and sleep problems. A dentist can assess the teeth and jaw. Many cases need no treatment, while severe bruxism may need dental protection, behavioral support or treatment of a related condition. [4]
What the research says
Awake bruxism is common, especially in people with jaw disorders. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 94 studies (49,163 individuals) found a mean prevalence of 25.9% (95% CI 22.2–29.9) for self-reported possible awake bruxism and 16.0% (95% CI 10.0–24.5) for clinically based probable awake bruxism in the general population, rising to 50.0% in people with temporomandibular disorders (Stanisic et al., J Evid Based Dent Pract, 2025). [1]
The link between sleep bruxism and sleep apnea is not settled. A meta-analysis of 14 studies found the odds of sleep bruxism in people with obstructive sleep apnea did not differ from controls (OR 1.23; 95% CI 0.47–3.20). The authors noted that study quality was low and that clinicians should still diagnose concomitant sleep conditions (Błaszczyk et al., Sleep Med Rev, 2024). [2]
Reflux symptoms show only a weak association with sleep bruxism. In a general-population convenience sample, current sleep bruxism had a significant but weak positive correlation with GERD-related symptoms (P = .044), and larger studies were called for (Pollis et al., Cranio, 2026). [3]
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for squeezing or rubbing the teeth together. This is also called clenching or grinding. It may happen during the day or at night. [4]
Awake bruxism occurs when a person clenches or grinds the teeth while awake, sometimes without realizing it. Sleep bruxism occurs during sleep and is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. [4]
Some people do not know they have sleep bruxism until a dentist notices tooth damage or they develop jaw symptoms. A sleep partner may also hear grinding or clicking sounds. [4]
Bruxism is common, but frequent or forceful grinding can become a problem. It may affect the teeth, jaw joints, jaw muscles, sleep and daily comfort.
What are the symptoms of teeth grinding?
Bruxism symptoms may include loud grinding or clenching, worn, chipped or loose teeth, tooth sensitivity, tired or sore jaw muscles, jaw clicking and dull headaches at the temples. [4]
Teeth grinding or clenching that is loud enough to wake a sleep partner. [4]
Flattened, fractured, chipped or loose teeth.
Worn tooth enamel that exposes the inner layers of the teeth. [4]
Tooth pain or sensitivity.
Tired or tight jaw muscles.
A locked jaw that does not open or close all the way. [4]
Popping or clicking in the jaw.
Jaw, neck or face pain or soreness.
Jaw muscles that look larger than expected.
Pain that feels like an earache even though the ear is not the source. [4]
A dull headache beginning at the temples.
Sleep problems.
These symptoms do not prove that bruxism is the cause. Dental, jaw-joint, sleep, medicine-related and other health conditions can cause similar symptoms.
What is the difference between awake and sleep bruxism?
Awake bruxism and sleep bruxism can overlap, so a professional evaluation is more useful than trying to tell the type from one symptom.
Feature | Awake bruxism | Sleep bruxism |
When it occurs | While a person is awake. | During sleep. |
Awareness | A person may clench without noticing, especially while concentrating or feeling tense. | A person may not know it happens unless symptoms or a sleep partner provide clues. |
Possible links | Anxiety, stress, anger, frustration, tension, coping or habit. | Brief sleep disturbances and other sleep disorders. |
How it may be noticed | Daytime jaw tension, tooth contact or repeated habits. | Grinding or clicking sounds, morning jaw soreness, tooth wear or sleep concerns. |
Who may help evaluate it | Dentist or healthcare professional; mental-health referral may be considered when relevant. | Dentist; sleep-medicine referral or a sleep study may be considered when sleep problems are suspected. |
The two patterns can overlap. A professional evaluation is more useful than trying to determine the type from one symptom.
What causes bruxism?
The exact cause of bruxism is not completely understood. It may involve a mixture of physical, mental-health and genetic factors.
Awake bruxism may be associated with emotions such as anxiety, stress, anger, frustration or tension. It may also become a coping strategy or habit during deep thinking or concentration. [4]
Sleep bruxism may be a sleep-related chewing activity linked with brief disturbances during sleep. It may occur alongside snoring, pauses in breathing called sleep apnea or other sleep-related disorders. [4]
A possible association does not establish the cause for a particular person. Stress may contribute for some people, but it is not the only possible explanation for teeth grinding or jaw pain.
What raises the risk of bruxism?
Stress, young age, smoking, caffeine or alcohol, some medicines, a family history of sleep bruxism and conditions such as sleep apnea or ADHD may raise bruxism risk. [4]
Stress, anxiety, anger or frustration.
Young age. Bruxism is common in young children and often goes away by adulthood. [4]
Personality traits described as aggressive, competitive or hyperactive. [4]
Lip, tongue or cheek biting.
Chewing gum for long periods.
Tobacco smoking.
Caffeinated beverages or alcohol.
Recreational drugs.
Medicines that are not approved by a healthcare professional. [4]
Some antidepressants and some medicines used for seizures or ADHD. [4]
A family history of sleep bruxism.
Parkinson’s disease, dementia, GERD, epilepsy, night terrors, sleep apnea or ADHD. [4]
If you think a medicine or substance may be affecting grinding, do not stop or change it on your own. Discuss the concern with the prescribing professional or another qualified healthcare professional. [4]
What complications can occur?
Bruxism does not cause serious complications for most people who grind or clench their teeth. Severe bruxism may lead to damage of the teeth, jaws, fillings, crowns or other dental repairs. Other possible complications include:
The presence of one complication does not identify the cause. A dentist can assess whether tooth wear or jaw symptoms fit bruxism or another condition.
How is bruxism diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually begins during a regular dental exam. A dentist looks for signs in the teeth, mouth, jaw muscles and jaw joints. [5]
Dental evaluation
A dentist may check for:
Tenderness in the jaw muscles or jaw joints.
Stiffness or pain when moving the jaws.
Flattened, broken or missing teeth.
Damage to teeth, the underlying bone or the inside of the cheeks. [5]
Changes that become worse across several visits.
Dental or jaw X-rays may be needed. The dentist may also ask about dental health, medicines, daily routines and sleep habits. [5]
Considering other causes
Jaw or ear pain can come from TMJ disorders, other dental problems or health conditions such as sleep apnea. A dental exam may help identify when another evaluation is needed. [4]
When might a specialist help?
If major sleep problems are suspected, a healthcare professional may recommend a sleep-medicine specialist. A sleep study can check for teeth grinding during sleep, sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. [4]
If anxiety or another mental-health condition may contribute, a therapist or counselor may be recommended. This does not mean that every person with bruxism needs mental-health care; the referral depends on the assessment. [4]
How is bruxism treated?
Treatment is individualized. In many cases, treatment is not needed. Many children outgrow bruxism without treatment, and many adults do not grind or clench severely enough to need care.
When bruxism is severe, dental treatments, therapies or medicines may help prevent additional tooth damage and relieve jaw pain or discomfort. Treating a related medical or mental-health condition may reduce grinding when that condition contributes. [5]
Dental treatments
A dentist may suggest splints or mouth guards. These devices keep the upper and lower teeth separated while sleeping and can stop damage caused by clenching and grinding. They may not stop bruxism itself. [5]
Severe tooth wear that causes sensitivity or makes chewing difficult may require dental correction. A dentist may reshape chewing surfaces or use crowns to repair damage. [5]
Do not assume that any over-the-counter device is suitable. A dentist can discuss whether a particular device is appropriate for the teeth, jaw and symptoms.
Therapies
Possible therapies include stress or anxiety management, relaxation practices such as meditation, yoga or exercise, and support from a mental-health professional when appropriate. [5]
Behavior change may include practicing a proper mouth and jaw position during the day, creating reminders to check jaw position, and reducing habits such as lip, tongue or cheek biting or prolonged gum chewing. [5]
Jaw-relaxation exercises or biofeedback may help some people. Biofeedback uses monitoring equipment to teach control of jaw-muscle activity. [5]
Medicines
Medicines are generally not very effective for bruxism, and more research is needed to determine their effectiveness. [5]
In selected situations, a healthcare professional may suggest a muscle relaxant for a short period before bedtime, Botox injections for some severe cases that do not improve with other treatments, or short-term medicine for anxiety or stress. [5]
These are not general recommendations. A person should not start, stop or change a medicine, or pursue an injection, without discussing the risks and benefits with a qualified professional.
Treating related conditions
Treatment for another condition may help reduce bruxism. A professional may change a medicine when bruxism appears to be a side effect, treat a sleep-related disorder such as sleep apnea, or manage a medical condition such as Parkinson’s disease. [5]
What can help at home?
At home, reducing stress, avoiding evening caffeine and alcohol, not smoking and good sleep habits may help reduce bruxism, though they do not replace a dental evaluation. Consider the following general steps:
Reduce stress with relaxation practices, music, a warm bath, yoga or exercise. [5]
Avoid caffeinated coffee and tea after dinner.
Avoid alcohol during the evening.
Do not smoke; ask a healthcare professional about help with quitting.
Practice good sleep habits.
Ask a sleep partner whether grinding or clicking sounds occur during sleep.
Schedule regular dental exams.
These measures may not address every cause. If grinding continues, symptoms worsen or tooth or jaw damage appears, arrange a dental or healthcare evaluation.
How should someone prepare for a dental appointment?
To prepare for a dental appointment about bruxism, gather details about your symptoms, medical history, stress and medicines, and plan questions for the dentist. Bring or write down:
Symptoms, including when jaw, mouth or head pain occurs.
Whether symptoms happen on waking, during the day or at the end of the day.
Medical history, including previous bruxism and treatments.
Major stress or recent life changes.
All medicines, vitamins, herbs and supplements, including doses.
Anything used to help sleep.
Useful questions may include:
What is the likely cause of these symptoms?
Could another condition explain the pain or tooth changes?
What tests are needed?
Is the problem likely to be temporary or long term?
What treatment options are available?
Should a sleep-medicine or mental-health specialist be involved?
How could other health conditions affect the care plan?
Conclusion
Bruxism is repeated teeth clenching or grinding that may occur during the day or during sleep. It can be easy to miss, especially when grinding happens at night, but tooth wear, sensitivity, jaw pain, temple headaches and sleep disruption can provide clues.
The cause is not always clear. Stress and anxiety may contribute, but bruxism can also involve sleep disturbances, habits, medicines, family history or other medical conditions. A dental exam helps identify signs and consider other explanations.
Many cases do not need treatment. When care is needed, options depend on the person and may include dental protection, stress or behavior support, specialist assessment or treatment of a related condition. Do not diagnose yourself or change medicines or devices without professional guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is repeated squeezing, clenching or rubbing of the teeth. It can happen while awake or during sleep.
What are common teeth-grinding symptoms?
Symptoms can include loud grinding, flattened or chipped teeth, worn enamel, tooth sensitivity, jaw tightness, jaw clicking, jaw or face pain, temple headaches and sleep problems.
What is awake bruxism?
Awake bruxism is clenching or grinding while awake, sometimes without awareness. It may be associated with stress, anxiety, concentration, tension or habit.
What is sleep bruxism?
Sleep bruxism is clenching or grinding during sleep. It is a sleep-related movement disorder and may occur with other sleep disorders.
Can stress cause teeth grinding?
Stress, anxiety, anger, frustration and tension may contribute to awake bruxism, but the cause is not always clear and may involve physical, mental-health and genetic factors.
Can bruxism damage teeth?
Severe bruxism can damage teeth, enamel, fillings, crowns and other dental repairs. It may also cause sensitivity or difficulty chewing.
Can bruxism be linked with sleep apnea?
Sleep bruxism may occur with sleep-related disorders, including snoring and pauses in breathing called sleep apnea. A sleep evaluation may be considered when major sleep problems are suspected.
How is bruxism diagnosed?
A dentist checks the teeth, mouth, jaw muscles and jaw joints during dental exams. The evaluation may include questions about medicines, routines and sleep, and may involve X-rays or specialist testing when appropriate.
Does everyone with bruxism need treatment?
No. Many children outgrow bruxism, and many adults do not grind severely enough to need treatment. Severe or damaging bruxism may require care.
Do mouth guards stop bruxism?
Splints and mouth guards can separate the upper and lower teeth during sleep and help prevent damage. They may not stop bruxism itself, so suitability should be discussed with a dentist.
Are medicines effective for bruxism?
Medicines are generally not very effective, and more research is needed. Selected medicines or injections may be considered by a healthcare professional in particular situations.
When should someone see a dentist?
See a dentist or healthcare professional for suspected grinding or clenching, tooth damage or sensitivity, jaw pain or stiffness, a locked jaw, clicking, headaches or sleep concerns.
References
Stanisic N, Saracutu OI, Colonna A, et al. AWAKE BRUXISM PREVALENCE ACROSS POPULATIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS. J Evid Based Dent Pract. 2025;25(3):102171. PMID: 40716827. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebdp.2025.102171
Błaszczyk B, Waliszewska-Prosół M, Więckiewicz M, et al. Sleep bruxism (SB) may be not associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): A comprehensive assessment employing a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev. 2024;78:101994. PMID: 39182463. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2024.101994
Pollis M, Lobbezoo F, Val M, et al. Sleep bruxism and GERD correlation in a general population convenience sample. Cranio. 2026;44(1):52-58. PMID: 39692348. https://doi.org/10.1080/08869634.2024.2443697
Mayo Clinic Staff. Teeth grinding (bruxism): Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. December 27, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356095
Mayo Clinic Staff. Teeth grinding (bruxism): Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. December 27, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356100
Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health or dental provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or oral-health condition.
It explains what bruxism is, its symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment options and home measures. Jaw pain, tooth damage, sensitivity, a locked jaw, sleep disruption or suspected grinding should be discussed with a dentist or other healthcare professional. Do not use a symptom list to diagnose bruxism, and do not start or change a mouth guard, medicine, Botox treatment or sleep-apnea treatment without professional guidance.
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