A significant number of people may be grinding or clenching their teeth – often without realising it – according to health experts, with implications for dental health, sleep and overall wellbeing. The condition, medically known as bruxism, can occur both during the day and at night.
Bruxism involves involuntary activation of the chewing muscles that causes the lower jaw to thrust, the teeth to clench together, or the upper and lower teeth to grind against each other. This habit is common, with research noting that involuntary grinding while asleep affects a large portion of the population, and bruxism occurs in many more people while awake.
According to University of Queensland (UQ) Senior Lecturer and General Dentist, Arosha Weerakoon, and Western Sydney University Associate Professor in Public Health, Amit Arora, there are three self-check questions you can ask yourself to assess whether bruxism may be a concern for you.
Answering “yes” to any of these may suggest grinding or clenching.
Weerakoon and Arora say the causes of bruxism are multifaceted, spanning mental, physical and lifestyle factors. Stress, anxiety and depression are key contributors, alongside the use of certain medications and stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Disrupted sleep patterns, especially those caused by conditions like sleep apnoea, may trigger involuntary grinding during sleep by stimulating stress hormone release and muscle spasms.
Dentists and sleep specialists note that while occasional grinding is generally harmless, frequent or forceful bruxism can lead to dental damage, jaw issues, muscle pain, headaches and sleep disturbances. If left untreated, it may contribute to chipped, cracked or worn teeth and expensive dental repairs.
Typical signs that a dental professional looks for include unusually worn or chipped teeth, receded gums, loose teeth, and indentations on the tongue or inner cheeks. All of these are indicators that chronic grinding may be occurring. Dentists generally ask about pain, chewing difficulty and sleep experiences to help identify the habit.
Health practitioners recommend several approaches for management. These include reviewing medications and using night guards or occlusal splints to protect teeth. Tailored exercises and stretching from a physiotherapist may help alleviate joint and muscle tension. In some cases, Botox injections are considered to reduce jaw muscle activity, but these are costly, short-acting and not effective for everyone.
In addition to bruxism, dental health naturally changes with age. As people grow older, the hard enamel that protects teeth gradually thins and the underlying dentine becomes more brittle, increasing the risk of fractures and wear. Age-related changes can also make teeth more susceptible to staining and sensitivity.
Dentists and researchers say preventive care, such as avoiding unnecessary force on teeth, maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and protecting enamel through gentle brushing can help extend the life of a person’s teeth.
Health professionals advise that anyone who suspects they are grinding or clenching their teeth should discuss this with a dentist or physician. Early consultation can help identify causes, protect dental health and improve sleep quality. In addition to professional care, lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, managing stress, and improving sleep hygiene may reduce symptoms and long-term effects.