Bruxism causes and management
Bruxism is repeated clenching or grinding of the teeth, during sleep or waking, that can strain the jaw muscles and damage teeth over time.
What are the causes and effects of bruxism?
Bruxism is repeated clenching or grinding of the teeth, during sleep or waking, that can strain the jaw muscles and damage teeth over time.
Sleep bruxism may occur without the person noticing it, while awake bruxism often appears as daytime clenching during concentration or stress. Signs include flattened cusps, chipped enamel, tooth sensitivity, morning jaw fatigue, headaches near the temples, or tenderness around the jaw joints.
What can you do when you notice yourself clenching?
Track when clenching happens and keep the teeth slightly apart when you are not chewing, with the tongue resting gently against the palate. A dentist can examine wear facets, muscles, joints, and bite, then discuss a protective night guard, habit training, treatment of contributing dental problems, or referral for sleep assessment when indicated.
When should repeated clenching or jaw pain be assessed?
Book an assessment for repeated tooth fractures, persistent jaw pain, limited opening, locking, or headaches linked with clenching. Sudden inability to open or close the jaw, facial swelling, or severe pain needs prompt care.
How can the dentist identify the type of bruxism?
Ask whether your signs indicate sleep bruxism, awake clenching, or another jaw disorder. Ask what type of guard is suitable, whether it needs adjustment, and how tooth wear or muscle symptoms will be monitored.
What does bruxism look like during sleep or waking hours?
Bruxism can occur during sleep, while awake, or in both settings.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Repeated tooth contact can flatten cusps, create cracks or chips, and expose dentine, especially when forces are sustained or intense.
Does a mouthguard cure bruxism?
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.