Often dismissed as a harmless habit, teeth grinding or jaw clenching can gradually lead to tooth wear, jaw pain, and other oral health problems if left unchecked. Known as bruxism, this common condition involves clenching or grinding your teeth when you’re not eating or speaking. Many people don’t realise they have it until they start waking up with jaw pain or headaches, or a dentist notices worn-down teeth during a routine check-up.
Types of bruxism
Bruxism is of two types:
- Awake bruxism: Happens when you’re awake and usually involves jaw clenching. It is commonly linked to stress, anxiety, or even deep concentration.
- Sleep bruxism: Occurs during sleep. Most people are unaware of it until someone notices the grinding or they wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or sore jaw muscles.
What causes bruxism?
There isn’t one single cause. It is usually linked to a combination of factors, including:
- Stress and anxiety
- Poor sleep quality
- Certain sleep disorders
- Changes in brain activity during sleep
Why shouldn’t you ignore it?
If it happens regularly, bruxism can gradually affect your oral health by:
- Wearing down tooth enamel
- Cracking teeth
- Damaging fillings or crowns
- Straining the jaw muscles and joints
Regular dental check-ups can help detect these signs before they become more serious.
How is bruxism managed?
Managing bruxism depends on its cause. Reducing stress, improving sleep habits, and seeking timely dental care can all help. If needed, your dentist may also recommend a customised night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
Have you ever noticed these signs in yourself or someone close to you? They are easy to overlook, but recognising them early can help prevent long-term damage
MBH/PS
The link between daily hustle, burnout and bruxism is becoming clearer every day. Recently i wrote an article on this exact topic. It is so important to help people recognize how lifestyle stress quietly impacts their oral health.