Teeth grinding (bruxism)

Overview

Many people don't know they grind until a partner or dentist notices.

It's linked to stress and sleep apnea.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Grinding or clenching teeth
• Jaw pain, clicking, or teeth clenching

Less common

• Morning headaches
• Worn teeth

Look up a symptom: Grinding or clenching teeth · Headache when waking up · Jaw pain, clicking, or teeth clenching · Toothache or tooth sensitive to hot, cold, or sweets

When to get medical care

Causes

Stress, sleep problems, some medicines, and bite problems.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Stress
• Sleep apnea

Possible complications

• TMJ disorder

Diagnosis

A dentist looks for wear on your teeth.

Questions you may be asked

• Jaw pain, morning headaches, snoring

The exam

A mouth and jaw exam.

Treatment

Protect your teeth and relax your jaw.

Self-care

• Wear a night guard from your dentist
• Manage stress
• Limit caffeine and alcohol at night
• Notice clenching in the day and relax your jaw

Prevention

To protect teeth:

• Night guard

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your dentist.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can go back to school or work the same day or the next day.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Manageable.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Teeth grinding (bruxism)