Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Bruxism refers to the grinding or clenching of teeth and may occur during sleep or while awake. Many people are unaware of the habit, particularly at night. It can place pressure on teeth, muscles and the jaw joint — and a professional dental assessment is important to identify contributing factors and determine appropriate management.
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Understanding the Concern
What Is Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?
Bruxism is a condition involving repeated grinding or clenching of the teeth. It may be conscious — occurring while you are awake — or unconscious, occurring during sleep without any awareness of the activity.
It can affect both adults and children, though presentation varies between age groups. In children, bruxism is often transient and may resolve with development; in adults, it is more likely to persist and require active management.
The intensity and frequency of bruxism can vary considerably — from occasional mild clenching to forceful, repeated grinding episodes that result in tooth wear, muscle fatigue and jaw discomfort.
A clinical evaluation helps assess the impact of bruxism on your oral health — including examination of the teeth for wear, the jaw joint for tenderness, and the surrounding muscles for signs of overactivity.
Symptoms & Warning Signs
Grinding noises during sleep
Often first reported by a sleeping partner — the hallmark indicator of sleep bruxism.
Jaw soreness or tightness
Persistent tension, fatigue or discomfort in the jaw muscles, especially on waking.
Morning headaches
Tension-type headaches on waking — often linked to sustained muscle activity during sleep.
Tooth wear or flattening
Visible flattening of biting surfaces or uneven wear patterns identified during dental examination.
Increased tooth sensitivity
Worn enamel can expose dentine, leading to sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.
Jaw fatigue or disrupted sleep
A tired jaw, difficulty opening the mouth wide, or disturbed sleep may also be reported.
Symptoms vary depending on severity and duration. Professional dental assessment is recommended to evaluate impact and identify contributing factors.
Daytime & Night-Time
Types of Bruxism
Bruxism is broadly classified by when it occurs. Both types may involve clenching, grinding or sustained jaw tension — and identifying the type helps guide appropriate management.
Sleep Bruxism
Occurs during sleep and is often involuntary. Many people are unaware of the habit and may only become suspicious when a partner notices grinding noises, or when morning symptoms such as jaw soreness or headaches develop. Sleep bruxism is sometimes linked to sleep disturbances or other sleep-related conditions.
Awake Bruxism
Occurs during waking hours and is often associated with concentration, stress or anxiety. It typically involves clenching or jaw tension rather than pronounced grinding. Because it happens while awake, behavioural awareness and habit-breaking strategies form an important part of management.
Contributing Factors
Common Causes and Contributing Factors
Bruxism may have multiple contributing causes. Identifying these factors — which often interact — forms an important part of a personalised management plan.
Stress and anxiety
Emotional stress is one of the most commonly identified contributing factors — particularly for awake bruxism. Tension often manifests as jaw clenching during periods of concentration or worry.
Sleep disturbances
Sleep bruxism may be associated with fragmented sleep and is sometimes linked to other sleep-related conditions. Underlying sleep issues may warrant further investigation.
Bite alignment issues
Irregularities in how the teeth meet together can, in some cases, contribute to clenching or grinding habits. Bite assessment forms part of a thorough dental evaluation.
Lifestyle factors
Caffeine, alcohol and smoking have been associated with increased bruxism activity in some individuals. Moderating these factors may be helpful as part of a wider management plan.
Certain medications
Some medications — particularly certain antidepressants and stimulants — have been linked to bruxism as a side effect. This is typically discussed with your prescribing clinician rather than altered independently.
Neurological or behavioural factors
Bruxism has been associated with certain neurological conditions and learned behavioural patterns. A multidisciplinary approach may occasionally be appropriate.
Why It Matters
Potential Risks if Not Addressed
When bruxism is left unmanaged, the repeated forces involved can cause progressive tooth wear — flattening biting surfaces and gradually reducing the natural height of the teeth. Over time, this may affect both function and appearance, and in some cases can lead to more complex restorative treatment being required.
Worn enamel often exposes the underlying dentine, resulting in increased tooth sensitivity to temperature or sweet foods. Continued grinding can also lead to cracks or fractures in teeth — which may in turn require restorative or emergency dental care.
Beyond the teeth themselves, ongoing bruxism can place strain on the jaw joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles — contributing to jaw discomfort, headaches and facial tension. Early assessment helps reduce the risk of progression and supports more conservative management.
Your Options
Treatment and Management Options
Treatment depends on clinical assessment. Management varies based on cause, and a personalised approach is recommended following professional examination.
Custom Night Guards & Splints
Tailored dental appliances designed to cushion the teeth during sleep and reduce the effects of grinding or clenching. Fit and material are selected to suit individual needs.
Learn MoreSports Guards
Custom-made sports guards for patients who clench or grind during physical activity — providing tailored protection compared to over-the-counter alternatives.
Learn MoreMonitoring Tooth Wear
Ongoing assessment of tooth wear and jaw function through scheduled examinations — allowing early detection of changes and timely adjustment of the management plan.
Learn MoreAddressing Contributing Factors
Discussion of stress, lifestyle factors, sleep habits and any relevant medications — supporting a holistic approach to managing bruxism.
Bite Assessment & Adjustment
Evaluation of how the teeth meet together, with adjustment where appropriate. In some cases, restorative or orthodontic approaches may be discussed.
Learn MoreReferral Where Necessary
Where indicated, onward referral to a specialist in sleep medicine, physiotherapy or psychology may be discussed as part of a wider management plan.
Your First Step
Importance of Professional Dental Assessment
Bruxism may not always be obvious to the individual — particularly at night. Routine dental examination plays an important role in identifying early signs of tooth wear or muscle overactivity before more significant changes develop.
Examination allows assessment of bite and jaw function, evaluation of tooth wear patterns, and discussion of any associated symptoms. Preventive measures — such as custom night guards or lifestyle modifications — may be recommended based on findings.
Treatment planning is tailored to individual needs. Whether the focus is on protecting the teeth, reducing muscle activity or addressing contributing factors, a personalised management plan can be developed following comprehensive assessment.
What to Expect
- 1Discussion of your symptoms — including any reports from a partner of grinding noises, morning headaches, jaw soreness or tooth sensitivity
- 2Review of your medical, dental and lifestyle history — including stress levels, sleep habits, caffeine or alcohol intake and current medications
- 3Clinical examination of the teeth for wear patterns, flattening, chipping or cracking
- 4Assessment of the jaw muscles and joint for tenderness, clicking, restricted opening or signs of overactivity
- 5Evaluation of your bite and how the teeth meet — identifying any factors that may contribute to clenching or grinding
- 6Personalised management plan — which may include a custom night guard, monitoring, lifestyle advice or further investigations where appropriate
Two Convenient Locations
Visit Us in Central London
Assessment and treatment planning for teeth grinding and other dental concerns are available at our London clinic, where professional evaluation can help determine appropriate care options.
South Kensington
Now Open20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL
Mon & Wed: 9 am – 6 pm
Tue & Thu: 9 am – 8 pm
Fri: 9 am – 5 pm
Sat & Sun: 10 am – 4 pm
1 min from South Kensington tube (District, Circle & Piccadilly)
City of London
Opening May 20265 Ave Maria Lane, City of London, London EC4M 7AQ
Mon – Fri: 8 am – 8 pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
3 min from St Paul's tube (Central line) · 5 min from Blackfriars
Common Questions
Teeth Grinding FAQ
Your Dental Team
Experienced Dentists
All our clinicians are GDC registered. Our dental team is experienced in assessing bruxism, fitting custom appliances and managing associated tooth wear and jaw concerns.
Dr. Yasha Y Shirazi
Principal Dentist & Clinical Director
GDC: 195843
Dr. Reza Davari
Dentist
GDC: 302422
Dr. Kamran Yazdi
Dentist
GDC: 197926
Dr. Andreia Phipps
Dentist
GDC: 229601
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Our South Kensington clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and all our clinicians are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
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Assessment for Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Experiencing Grinding or Clenching?
If you are experiencing symptoms of teeth grinding or clenching, or have been told you grind your teeth during sleep, a professional dental assessment can help identify possible causes and determine appropriate management options based on your individual needs.
