Bruxism or Jaw Clenching: Symptoms and Treatments

Have you ever woken up with jaw pain, throbbing, or even soreness in your face? You may be experiencing bruxism, AKA grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw while you sleep. It can even happen while you’re awake — but you may not be aware that you’re doing it until symptoms start to appear. 

What causes bruxism, why is it important to manage, and how can you stop doing it? We spoke with some dental health experts to understand why bruxism is so prevalent and to get the lowdown on the most effective treatments for it. 

What Is Bruxism? 

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common condition, with some studies estimating that it affects 8-44 percent of adults at some point in their lives. Sleep bruxism occurs in around 10 percent of adults and 15 percent of children, and bruxism while you’re awake is reported by around 20 percent of adults. (1)(2) 

Types of Bruxism

There are two main types of bruxism: (3)

• Sleep bruxism: This type usually occurs during sleep, often in the early stages, and involves both grinding your teeth and sleeping with your jaw clenched. Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement disorder.
• Awake bruxism: This type usually occurs while awake and often involves clenching your teeth rather than grinding. It’s usually associated with stress, anxiety, or concentration.

What Causes Bruxism? 

A variety of underlying causes can trigger bruxism. Chelsea Perry, DMD and Founder of Elite Dental Studio, says, “Stress and anxiety are common triggers, often leading people to clench or grind their teeth without even realizing it.” She notes that certain physical factors, like having misaligned teeth, can also contribute to bruxism for some people. 

Other possible contributing factors include: 

• Habitual Behaviors: Some individuals develop the habit of clenching their teeth during stressful activities or tasks that require concentration, such as working at a computer or driving. Bruxism is often associated with job-related stress. (4)(5)
• Medications: Medications that can lead to bruxism include antidepressants and stimulants. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) like citalopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline, as well as antipsychotics, are on this list. (6)(7)
• Caffeine, Alcohol, and Smoking: Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants, and alcohol can disrupt normal sleep patterns and act as a muscle relaxant, which may lead to more involuntary jaw movements during sleep. (8)
• Sleep Disorders: Bruxism is not a sleep disorder, but it may be triggered by (and often happens alongside) sleep disorders like sleep apnea or snoring. (9)(10)
• Genetics: Family history of bruxism may increase the likelihood of developing sleep bruxism. (11)
• Neurochemical Factors: If certain brain chemicals involved in your sleep-wake cycle are imbalanced for some reason, this may also play a role in triggering bruxism. (12)

Symptoms of Bruxism 

While not everyone may experience the same symptoms of bruxism, here are the most common ones: (13)

• Jaw discomfort, pain, or tightness
• Headaches, particularly in the temples
• Tension and muscle aches in the jaw and face
• Tooth sensitivity or pain
• Audible grinding noise during sleep (often reported by a sleep partner)
• Flattened, chipped, or fractured teeth
• Disrupted sleep for both you and anyone sharing your sleep space
• Clicking of the jaw when you open and/or close it

Scott Tuchklaper, DDS at Orchard Dental Group and Orthodontics says the most common symptoms he sees in his practice are worn-down teeth. “Typically, your canines (or vampire teeth) are the first ones to show wear,” he notes. He also says receding gum lines are common among patients with bruxism. 

Furthermore, Tuchklaper says that if his patients are experiencing two or more headaches per month, he will evaluate them further for teeth grinding. “Some patients can get ringing in their ears or pressure that almost feels like an ear infection,” he tells Sleepopolis. 

Preventing Bruxism 

Even if you’ve already been experiencing symptoms of bruxism, it’s possible that a combination of lifestyle changes, stress management, and dental care can help prevent it from becoming a chronic issue. 

Perry explains that preventing bruxism often starts with managing stress since anxiety is a big trigger for teeth grinding. “Practicing relaxation techniques like mindfulness or yoga can help keep stress levels in check,” she says. 

Next, she emphasizes the need to get a good night’s sleep in a comfortable environment, as a restful mind is less likely to grind teeth. Some good sleep hygiene habits include creating a calming, consistent bedtime routine, avoiding stimulants like caffeine and alcohol before bed, and designing a cozy sleep-promoting environment. (14)

Treatments for Bruxism

If you’ve been dealing with a sore jaw and other symptoms of bruxism, your top priority is probably figuring out how to address your symptoms. The most effective treatment for bruxism requires a multifaceted approach tailored around what you’re experiencing and the presumed triggers. 

Behavioral therapies, such as biofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help manage stress and anxiety, which are common triggers of bruxism. In some cases, medications like anti-anxiety drugs or Botox injections may be prescribed to reduce muscle activity and alleviate symptoms, but more research is needed before they can be broadly recommended. (13)(15)(16)

Addressing sleep disorders through treatments like CPAP for sleep apnea can also be beneficial for sleep bruxism. (10)(13)

And, as we’ve mentioned before, lifestyle changes that promote overall wellness, including reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, practicing good sleep hygiene, and engaging in regular physical activity can help. (13)

Finally, Perry says, “Regular dental check-ups are key because they help catch any early signs before they become a bigger problem.” She notes that using a custom-fitted night guard (made by your dentist) can help prevent bruxism from getting worse by protecting your teeth while you sleep. (13)

Tuchklaper agrees, saying that while there are different mouth guard options (soft and hard), “The best treatment option for a standard case of bruxism is a professionally made all-hard night guard.”

When to See a Doctor 

As with any health condition or new symptom, it’s important to see a doctor for bruxism when it becomes ongoing — especially if it’s disrupting your quality of life. 

For example, if you’re having ongoing jaw pain, headaches, earaches, or facial pain, it’s probably time to get some professional intervention. And if you’re not noticing these things but your sleep partner says you’re grinding your teeth at night, call your medical provider (for the sake of your teeth and perhaps your relationship). 

Seeing your dentist twice a year is important for general wellness and cleanings, but if you notice things like increased sensitivity in your mouth or chipped, worn, or loose teeth, give your dentist a call. (17)

Finally, if you feel like you’re under ongoing stress or anxiety, it’s a good idea to speak with your provider for resources. Therapy can be helpful not only for mental health but may also help reduce how much you’re grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. 

FAQs

The Last Word From Sleepopolis 

It’s not unusual to find yourself needing to manually relax your jaw during a stressful situation. But when jaw clenching or teeth grinding becomes an unconscious habit, it’s important to address it. Consider how you might improve your sleep routine and release some stress through practices like yoga or journaling. See your dentist regularly for routine care and speak with your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about bruxism. 

Sources

Lauren Panoff

Lauren Panoff, MPH, RD is a Colorado-based health and nutrition writer who has been published with a number of trusted wellness platforms. She is a dietitian who specializes in plant-based living, as well as a mother of two humans and a dog.