What is teeth grinding and clenching?

Teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism, is the habit of pressing your teeth tightly together or grinding them against each other. Clenching is often silent, so it can go unnoticed. It can happen while you sleep or during the day, particularly when you are concentrating, feeling stressed or driving.

How common is teeth grinding?

It is relatively common. A systematic review estimated that around 22% of people worldwide experience bruxism, whether occasionally or regularly. Not everyone who grinds or clenches will have problems, but frequent or forceful grinding can affect your teeth and jaw.

What are the signs of teeth grinding and clenching?

Common signs include a sore or tight jaw, frequent dull headaches, worn, flat or chipped teeth, and teeth that feel sensitive. Because grinding often happens during sleep, many people only notice when a partner hears it or a dentist spots signs of wear.

Can teeth grinding damage my teeth?

Yes, it can. Over time, frequent grinding and clenching may wear down enamel, crack or break teeth, and chip or loosen fillings and crowns. It can also strain the jaw muscles, leading to soreness, stiffness and headaches. A dentist can help work out whether grinding is contributing to your symptoms.

What causes teeth grinding?

Bruxism is thought to have several contributing factors. Stress and anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, smoking and sleep problems such as snoring have all been linked to it. These are associations rather than guaranteed causes, so speaking with your dentist can help you understand what may be involved.

Can teeth grinding be stopped?

The habit cannot always be stopped, but its effects can often be managed. Wearing a night guard, managing stress, limiting caffeine and alcohol, avoiding smoking and having regular dental check-ups can all help protect your teeth.

Does a night guard stop teeth grinding?

A night guard is a custom-made cover that fits over your teeth while you sleep. It may not stop the grinding itself, but it can help reduce wear on your teeth. Your dentist can advise whether one is suitable for you.

Is teeth grinding common in children?

Yes. Many children grind their teeth at some stage, often while they sleep, and parents are usually the first to notice the sound. If you are concerned about your child’s teeth, a dentist can check for signs of wear and advise on the next step. You can also read about children’s dental care at our clinic.

When should I see a dentist about teeth grinding?

It is worth seeing a dentist if you wake up with a sore jaw or headaches, notice worn, chipped or sensitive teeth, or have been told that you grind your teeth at night. You are welcome to mention symptoms even if they come and go, as early advice can help protect your teeth before more serious damage develops.

What payment options are available at My Dentist Geelong (Highton)?

My Dentist Geelong (Highton) offers a variety of payment options , including DentiCare payment plans, private health insurance rebates through HICAPS, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), and Department of Veterans’ Affairs dental benefits. Availability may depend on your treatment type and eligibility, so please check with the clinic when booking your appointment.

Can I get a same-day appointment for teeth grinding and clenching?

Yes, the clinic provides same-day appointments for urgent teeth concerns, subject to availability. If you require urgent emergency dental care , the team will assess your condition and provide care to help relieve pain and stabilise your oral health.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching: A Patient’s Guide to Bruxism

Many people only become aware of the habit when a partner hears them grinding their teeth at night, or when their dentist notices signs of wear during a routine check-up.

Teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism, involves pressing your teeth tightly together or grinding them against each other. Clenching is often silent, making it easy to go unnoticed.

Bruxism can happen while you sleep or during the day, particularly when you are concentrating, feeling stressed or driving. A 2024 systematic review estimated that around 22% of people worldwide experience bruxism, making it a relatively common condition.

Not everyone who grinds or clenches their teeth will experience problems. However, frequent or forceful bruxism can contribute to worn or cracked teeth, damaged fillings and crowns, jaw pain and headaches.

While the habit itself may not always be preventable, its effects can often be managed. This article explains how to recognise the signs of bruxism, what can happen if it goes unmanaged, and the steps you can take to protect your teeth.

Signs You May Be Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth

Teeth grinding and clenching often happen without you noticing, especially during sleep. However, there are several signs that may suggest you are putting extra pressure on your teeth and jaw.

Jaw soreness may be a sign that you have been grinding your teeth.

Jaw Soreness or Tightness

If your jaw feels tired, tight or sore when you wake up, it may be a sign that you have been clenching or grinding your teeth overnight. The repeated tightening of your jaw muscles can leave them feeling strained or aching, even though you have not been chewing anything.

A woman with a headache can be associated with teeth grinding and clenching.

Headaches

Frequent dull headaches can sometimes be associated with teeth grinding and clenching. As headaches can have many different causes, it is worth mentioning them to your dentist, especially if you also experience jaw soreness or stiffness.

Chipped teeth is one of the signs of bruxism.

Worn, Flat or Chipped Teeth

One of the more noticeable signs of bruxism is gradual tooth wear, which can make the biting edges of your teeth appear flatter or shorter. You may also notice small chips or cracks developing over time.

Because these changes often happen slowly, they can be difficult to spot at home. A routine dental check-up may help identify signs of wear before they become more serious.

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by receding gums and tooth decay.

Teeth That Feel Sensitive

Repeated grinding can wear down tooth enamel, potentially exposing the more sensitive dentine underneath. This may cause discomfort when drinking something cold or breathing in cold air. Tooth sensitivity can also have other causes, including receding gums and tooth decay, so it is important not to assume grinding is always responsible.

You can also read our article on cold-weather tooth pain to understand why teeth sometimes react to cold temperatures.

What Happens If Teeth Grinding Is Left Untreated?

Frequent teeth grinding and clenching can put too much pressure on your teeth and jaw. Over time, this may lead to damage that becomes harder to manage if the habit continues.

Tooth enamel cannot grow back naturally once it is lost.

Worn Enamel and Sensitive Teeth

Enamel is the hard outer layer that protects your teeth. Regular grinding can gradually wear it down, making teeth look shorter, flatter or uneven.

As the enamel wears away, the softer layer underneath may become exposed, causing sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks. Once tooth enamel is lost, it cannot grow back naturally.

A cracked tooth may cause sharp pain when you bite or chew.

Cracked or Broken Teeth

Repeated grinding and clenching can put extra force on your teeth, increasing the risk of chips or cracks, especially if a tooth is already weakened. A cracked tooth may cause sharp pain when you bite or chew, while a more serious crack can damage the inside of the tooth.

If you experience sudden pain or break a tooth, seeking emergency dental care can help prevent further damage.

Fillings can be damaged due to grinding.

Damaged Fillings and Crowns

Grinding can also affect existing dental work. Over time, fillings and crowns may become chipped, cracked or loose, meaning they might need to be repaired or replaced. If you have dental implants, research suggests that bruxism may also increase the risk of certain complications.

Frequent clenching can cause ongoing jaw pain.

Ongoing Jaw Pain and Headaches

Frequent clenching can strain your jaw muscles, leading to ongoing soreness, stiffness and headaches. Some people may also develop problems with their jaw joint, causing discomfort, clicking sounds or difficulty opening their mouth fully.

However, these symptoms can have several causes, so a dentist can help work out whether teeth grinding is contributing to the problem.

How to Protect Your Teeth from Grinding Damage

Teeth grinding rarely has a single cause and cannot always be stopped, but there are ways to protect your teeth and reduce common triggers. Here are some steps you can take:

Night guard helps protect your teeth from grinding damage.

Wear a night guard.

A custom-made night guard fits over your teeth while you sleep, helping to protect them from grinding damage. While it may not stop the grinding itself, it can help reduce wear on your teeth.

Manage your stress.

Stress and anxiety have been linked to teeth grinding, so finding ways to relax, especially before bedtime, may help.

Cut back on caffeine to prevent teeth grinding.

Limit caffeine and alcohol.

Cutting back, particularly in the evening, may be helpful as both have been associated with teeth grinding.

Avoid smoking as it has been linked to bruxism.

Avoid smoking and pay attention to your sleep.

Smoking has been linked to bruxism, while snoring or poor sleep may point to other sleep problems worth discussing with your doctor.

Visit your dentist regularly.

Routine check-ups allow your dentist to look for signs of grinding, monitor tooth wear and recommend ways to protect your teeth before more serious damage develops.

If you think you may be grinding or clenching your teeth, speaking with your dentist early can help you understand what's happening and find the right way to protect your teeth.

Why Choose My Dentist Geelong (Highton)

Understanding what is behind your jaw pain, headaches or worn teeth is easier with guidance from a caring dental team.

At My Dentist Geelong (Highton), Dr Vanessa Yew, Dr Shin Ying Chia and the team look at your teeth, bite and jaw for signs of grinding, discuss your symptoms, and recommend suitable ways to protect your teeth. If you have noticed any of the signs above, you are welcome to mention them at your appointment, even if they come and go.

Conveniently located within Barrabool Hills Plaza in Highton, the clinic also welcomes patients from Highton, Belmont, Wandana Heights, Newtown, Waurn Ponds, Ceres, Fyansford and Manifold Heights, as well as the wider Geelong community.

With ample free parking available, the clinic offers flexible payment options, including DentiCare and government dental benefits to support your care.