Man grinding his teeth in his sleep
General Dental, Uncategorised

Do you grind your teeth? Grinding or clenching your teeth (also known as bruxism) happens more often than many people realise. You may be doing it and not even know it!

A 2024 Journal of Clinical Medicine study found that approximately 22% of people worldwide grind their teeth – 21% during sleep and 23% while awake. Read on to learn about the causes, effects, and how a dentist can help manage bruxism.

Why you might be grinding your teeth

Bruxism doesn’t have just one cause, and for some people it happens in short bursts, while for others it becomes a regular habit. Common factors include:

  • Stress and anxiety. This is one of the biggest triggers for bruxism, especially when awake. Jaw clenching often happens subconsciously during moments of pressure, concentration, or emotional strain.
  • Sleep-related issues. Conditions such as sleep apnoea, snoring, or disrupted sleep patterns can increase the risk of grinding, particularly at night when you’re unaware it’s happening.
  • Jaw alignment or bite issues. If your teeth don’t meet evenly, it can create extra pressure on certain areas of your mouth, leading to unconscious clenching or grinding.
  • Medication side effects. Certain medications can increase the likelihood of bruxism as an unwanted side effect.
  • Lifestyle factors. High caffeine intake, alcohol use, smoking and excessive gum chewing can all heighten muscle activity in the jaw and make grinding your teeth more likely, especially when combined with stress or poor sleep.

What damage can it do?

Bruxism might not hurt in the moment, but over time, it can cause noticeable problems:

  • Wearing down enamel, which increases sensitivity and decay risk.
  • Cracking or chipping teeth, and damaging fillings or crowns.
  • Jaw muscle tension, pain, or stiffness.
  • Headaches, especially in the morning.
  • Toothache
  • In some cases, contributing to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

How your dentist can help

If you grind your teeth, your dentist can help protect your smile and reduce discomfort. One of the most common solutions is a custom-made night guard ( occlusal splint). This device is worn while you sleep to create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, cushioning the jaw and preventing further enamel wear.

Your dentist will also check your bite and jaw alignment to identify any uneven forces that could be contributing to grinding. If issues are found, they may recommend corrective treatments or refer you to a specialist.

For patients with significant jaw tension or pain, a dentist may also suggest targeted treatments such as physiotherapy, specific jaw exercises, or even muscle-relaxing injections. These can help reduce strain and break the grinding cycle.

Lifestyle changes can also make a difference and help reduce or eliminate the triggers for your teeth grinding or clenching. This could include improving sleep hygiene, lowering stress levels, and adjusting habits (such as reducing caffeine or alcohol) that can make bruxism worse.

Don’t wait for the damage to add up

If you’ve noticed signs like morning jaw soreness, tooth sensitivity, or unusual tooth wear, it’s worth getting checked. Book an appointment with one of the Hampton Beach Dentists team so we can assess what’s happening and find the best way to protect your teeth and jaw.

Call us today on 03 9598 5666 or book online to make an appointment.