Teeth Grinding 101: Why Your Jaw Won’t Chill (Bruxism Explained)

You’re trying to sleep, but your jaw has other plans. Or you’re mid-email and realize your back teeth are clamped like a vise. That’s bruxism, better known as teeth grinding and clenching, and most people don’t notice it until the symptoms show up.

What teeth grinding (bruxism) actually is

Bruxism is extra jaw-muscle activity that wears on teeth and joints.

1. Awake bruxism: clenching or holding teeth together during the day (common with stress or deep focus).

2. Sleep bruxism: rhythmic grinding or powerful clenches while you’re asleep (your bed partner might hear it).

Both can be occasional or frequent enough to damage teeth and strain the jaw.

Why it happens (the short version)

What causes teeth grinding? There isn’t one cause. Think combo platter:

• Stress & emotions: anxiety, tension, perfectionism, hyper-focus.

• Sleep factors: light/fragmented sleep; snoring or sleep apnea can amplify night grinding.

• Lifestyle triggers: late caffeine, alcohol, nicotine; some recreational substances.

• Medications & conditions: a few antidepressants (SSRIs), certain neurological conditions, and reflux can be associated.

• Family tendency: it can run in families.

• Teeth/jaw alignment: rarely the root cause alone, but can influence where forces land.

Curious about the long version?

Take a deeper dive into the neural circuits and stress-chew connection in Bruxism Part 3: The Long Why- where we explore how your brain, dopamine, and sleep systems team up to clench, cope, and grind.

How common is it?

Fairly common. Many adults clench during stressful days; a good number grind during sleep now and then. Kids may go through phases and often outgrow them; adults aren’t off the hook.

“Is this me?” A quick self-check

• Morning jaw tightness or facial ache

• Headaches at the temples

• Tooth sensitivity or a sharp “zing” with cold

• Flat or chipped edges you can feel with your tongue

• Cheek or tongue indentations

• A partner hears grinding at night

  
  

What bruxism is not

Not all tooth wear equals grinding:

• Erosion = acids (sodas, citrus, reflux) softening enamel.

• Abrasion = over-brushing with stiff bristles.

• Attrition (bruxism) = tooth-on-tooth wear.

Your dentist can spot the difference and the patterns.

When to seek help (bruxism-specific)

1. Book a dental visit if you have new chips/cracks, lingering sensitivity, jaw fatigue, frequent headaches, or a partner reports grinding.

   
   

2. Visit your local health center or regional hospital if you suspect a jaw dislocation (jaw stuck open/closed after a yawn), a sudden, severe bite change with intense pain, or fever/swelling after a cracked tooth; these require urgent assessment.

Why early action matters

Think of healthy tooth structure like a savings account; small withdrawals add up. Catching bruxism early means simpler steps (habit coaching, night guard, sleep tweaks) and fewer big repairs later.

Next up (Part 2): what bruxism does to teeth, how to spot the warning signs, and ways to protect your smile, as well as why fixing heavily worn teeth can be complex and costly.

About the Blogger

Dr. Dhanraj Budhai

Dental Surgeon/ Implantologist

Dr. Dhanraj Budhai has over a decade of experience, specializing in Implant Dentistry. As the founder of Smile Designers, he is dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art dental care. Outside the clinic, he enjoys photography and spending time with his cats.

"My team and I are committed to exceptional dentistry. We embrace innovation and stay at the forefront of dental advancements to ensure our patients receive the highest-quality care."

References (Bruxism Explained)

1. American Dental Association (ADA)- Bruxism/teeth grinding (patient resources)

2. American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) / ICSD- Sleep bruxism overview

3. Mayo Clinic- Bruxism: symptoms, causes, treatment