What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, most commonly during sleep. You are not doing it consciously — your jaw is just going through intense rhythmic contractions while your brain is supposed to be resting.
It is significantly more common than people realise, and it is strongly associated with stress, anxiety, and certain lifestyle habits. Students during exam periods and professionals in high-pressure work environments are particularly prone to it.
How Do You Know If You Grind?
- Jaw pain or stiffness when you wake up
- Headaches that start at the temples, especially in the morning
- Sore jaw muscles — the masseter muscles on the sides of your face
- Sensitive teeth — particularly to temperature
- Flattened, chipped, or worn-down teeth — your dentist will notice this before you do
- Ear pain without any ear infection
- Your partner mentions hearing grinding sounds at night
Why Does It Happen?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but these factors consistently show up:
- Stress and anxiety — the most common trigger. Exam pressure, work deadlines, and life transitions (moving, new job) all increase grinding.
- Caffeine — coffee, energy drinks, and strong tea stimulate the nervous system and make nighttime clenching more likely
- Irregular sleep — poor sleep architecture increases bruxism episodes
- Alcohol — worsens sleep quality and grinding frequency
- Certain medications — some antidepressants and ADHD medications list bruxism as a side effect
The Damage Bruxism Causes Over Time
The biting force during grinding can be 10× what you use when chewing food. Over months and years, this causes:
- Enamel wear — teeth become shorter, flatter, and more sensitive
- Chipping and cracking — particularly in teeth with existing fillings
- Jaw joint (TMJ) damage — clicking, popping, limited mouth opening
- Receding gums — pressure at the gum line causes tissue loss
- Tooth mobility — in severe long-term cases
What Can Be Done?
- Night guard (occlusal splint): A custom-fitted guard made at The Tooth Stop. It absorbs the grinding forces and protects your teeth. This is the most effective immediate solution.
- Stress management: Exercise, adequate sleep, reducing caffeine (especially after 3 PM), and mindfulness all reduce nighttime bruxism.
- Physiotherapy: For significant jaw muscle pain or TMJ clicking, targeted jaw exercises and physiotherapy help.
- Repair of existing damage: Worn or chipped teeth can be restored with bonding or crowns once the grinding is controlled.