Ever woken up with a tight jaw, sore temples, or a dull headache? Or maybe someone close to you has mentioned you grind your teeth in your sleep? If any of this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with bruxism — a condition where people unconsciously clench or grind their teeth, especially while sleeping.
It’s more than just a “bad habit” — bruxism can damage your teeth, strain your jaw muscles, and even disrupt your sleep. Let’s break down what causes it and how to deal with it.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, most often during sleep. And the tricky part? Many people have no idea they’re doing it. While you’re asleep, your jaw muscles can contract with surprising force — much more than during normal chewing. Over time, this can wear down your teeth and leave your jaw sore and tired.
Nighttime bruxism affects around 10–15% of adults and is common in kids too. Often, people only realize it once the symptoms start to kick in.
What Causes Bruxism?
Bruxism can be triggered by several things — often a mix of physical and emotional factors:
🧠 Stress and anxiety
One of the most common culprits. During the day, you might be able to hold it together, but at night, your body may release that tension through your jaw. People who tend to internalize stress are especially prone to grinding their teeth in their sleep.
😴 Sleep disturbances
Bruxism is often linked with poor sleep, frequent awakenings, or conditions like sleep apnea. The lower your sleep quality, the higher the risk your jaw will stay clenched all night.
💊 Side effects of certain medications
Some antidepressants can trigger or intensify bruxism as a side effect.
🦷 Bite issues
Misaligned teeth or bite problems might contribute by putting extra pressure on certain areas. While this isn’t always the main cause, it can be a factor.
How Can You Tell If You Have Bruxism?
Sometimes, the only clue is your partner saying, “You grind your teeth at night.” But here are a few more signs to look out for:
Jaw tightness or soreness in the morning
Clicking or pain when opening your mouth
Noticeable teeth grinding sounds at night
Tooth sensitivity — especially to hot or cold
Cracks, chips, or worn-down enamel
Morning headaches, particularly around the temples
Poor sleep and morning fatigue
Even one or two of these symptoms could mean it’s time to take a closer look.
How Is Bruxism Treated?
Treating bruxism starts with figuring out the cause. For some, especially kids, it can go away on its own. But if it’s persistent or getting worse, it’s best not to ignore it.
Custom night guards
A dentist can make a soft or hard mouthguard (also called a night guard) to protect your teeth from grinding and help relax your jaw muscles.
Managing stress
If stress is the root cause, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or even talking to a therapist.
Massage and physical therapy
These can relieve muscle tension and improve circulation in the jaw area.
Botox
In more serious cases, small doses of botulinum toxin (Botox) injected into the jaw muscles can reduce the strength of clenching and give your muscles a break.
Should You See a Dentist?
If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth, don’t wait until you’ve worn them down or developed chronic jaw pain. The sooner you see a dentist, the easier it is to fix the issue and protect your smile.
Teeth grinding might seem harmless — but it’s actually your body’s way of asking for help.
If you’re waking up with jaw pain, morning headaches, neck tension, or hear clicks when yawning or chewing — take it seriously. These could all be signs of bruxism.
Our clinic is here to help. Our attentive and experienced dentists will figure out what’s causing your symptoms, walk you through your options, and support you every step of the way — so you can get back to sleeping peacefully and smiling comfortably.
Book a Consultation Today!
📞 Call: +971 55 401 1505 or message us on Telegram/WhatsApp. Find out the exact cost of your treatment and how quickly it can be completed.