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Teeth grinding and jaw clenching (also called bruxism) is often related to stress or anxiety.
It does not always cause symptoms, but some people get facial pain and headaches, and it can wear down your teeth over time.
Most people who grind their teeth and clench their jaw are not aware they’re doing it.
It often happens during sleep, or while concentrating or under stress.
Symptoms of teeth grinding
Symptoms of teeth grinding include:
- facial pain
- headaches
- earache
- pain and stiffness in the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) and surrounding muscles, which can lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
- disrupted sleep (for you or your partner)
- worn-down teeth, which can lead to increased sensitivity and even tooth loss
- broken teeth or fillings
Facial pain and headaches often disappear when you stop grinding your teeth.
Tooth damage usually only happens in severe cases and may need treatment.
When to see a dentist or GP
See a dentist if:
- your teeth are worn, damaged or sensitive
- your jaw, face or ear is painful
- your partner says you make a grinding sound in your sleep
The dentist will check your teeth and jaw for signs of teeth grinding.
You may need dental treatment if your teeth are worn through grinding to avoid developing further problems, such as infection or a dental abscess.
See a GP if your teeth grinding is related to stress. They’ll be able to recommend ways to help manage your stress.
There are a number of treatments for teeth grinding.
Using a mouth guard or mouth splint reduces the sensation of clenching or grinding your teeth.
They also help reduce pain and prevent tooth wear, as well as protecting against further damage.
Other treatments include muscle-relaxation exercises and sleep hygiene.
If you have stress or anxiety, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may be recommended.
What causes teeth grinding?
The cause of teeth grinding is not always clear, but it’s usually linked to other factors, such as stress, anxiety or sleep problems.
This information was provided by NHS England. If you would like to know more about oral health and treatments available please visit our site. |
