Bruxism & Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is the clinical term for grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw — something most people do at some point, often without realizing it, especially during sleep.

Signs to watch for

Bruxism is often linked to chronic stress and anxiety, and commonly shows up alongside headaches, earaches, and disrupted sleep. Because it frequently happens overnight, many patients don't realize they grind until we spot the wear pattern during an exam.

Why it's worth treating

• Grinding wears teeth down abnormally, which can lead to fractures and the need for restorative work
• Constant clenching can damage gum tissue and create pockets where bacteria thrive
• Left untreated, it can progress into painful TMJ (jaw joint) problems
• It's a common cause of chronic headaches and facial muscle pain

Treatment options

We tailor treatment to what's driving your bruxism — options include a custom occlusal guard to protect your teeth during sleep, a specialized device to limit rear-molar grinding, stress management techniques, and in some cases restorative work to repair existing damage. If you already have a guard, our night guard care instructions cover daily cleaning and storage.

Content reviewed by Jamisen Kohlman, DMD — KoLa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Austin, TX.