Bruxism is the clinical term for excessive, forceful grinding and clenching of the teeth, unrelated to chewing food—and most commonly occurs during sleep. This habit causes prolonged and abnormal pressure on the teeth and their supporting structures.

Bruxism is often linked to emotional stress, tension, anxiety, or fatigue. Unconscious jaw movements—shifting the lower jaw side-to-side or forward-and-back—lead to tooth-on-tooth friction, resulting in visible wear.

How Common Is It?

Bruxism is widespread, especially among people over 25, regardless of gender. Children may experience it too, often due to temporary discomfort like colds, ear infections, or allergies—and in most cases, it resolves spontaneously without lasting effects.

Why Is It Harmful?

While chewing food generates pressure of around 175 psi/cm², nighttime grinding can exceed 300 psi/cm²—with no food present to cushion the impact. This intense force may lead to:

• Enamel cracks and fractures
• Tooth breakage
• Gum recession
• Damage to the tooth’s supporting structures, potentially leading to tooth loss
• Strain on the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint – TMJ)

Over time, patients often develop severe tooth sensitivity and pain in the jaw, ears, or head, causing emotional distress and irritability.

How to Detect Bruxism

Because it usually occurs at night, many people are unaware of their condition until a partner notices, or until symptoms appear:

• Pain in the jaw joints, ears, or head upon waking, persisting throughout the day
• Increased tooth sensitivity (to cold, pressure, or other stimuli)
• Flattened chewing surfaces and reduced height of front teeth

Treatment Options

If you suspect nighttime grinding, consult your dentist promptly to prevent further damage.

At the dental office, your dentist can create a custom silicone mouthguard based on your dental impressions—known as a night guard tray