Teeth Grinding and TMJ: Do I Grind My Teeth, and What Helps?

What is teeth grinding, and why does it happen?

Teeth grinding is called bruxism. Cleveland Clinic defines bruxism as when you clench, grind or gnash your teeth. It usually happens without your awareness, and it can happen when you are awake or asleep. Bruxism is common, and many people grind now and then, especially when stressed.

There is no single cause. Cleveland Clinic lists several risk factors. Stress and anxiety are one. Lifestyle habits and certain medicines are others. It also notes a link with sleep apnea, with many people having both conditions. Mayo Clinic says the cause is not fully understood and may involve a mix of physical, mental health and genetic factors.

Cleveland Clinic separates two types:

What are the signs that you grind your teeth?

Signs show up in your teeth, jaw and head. You may not hear yourself grind, so look for these clues. Mayo Clinic lists teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose. Cleveland Clinic lists headaches or facial pain, especially in the morning, earaches, sore jaw muscles, ringing in the ears, pain when eating, and difficulty opening and closing your mouth.

Use this checklist. It is not a diagnosis.

• Do you wake with a sore jaw or a headache?
• Do your teeth look flat, worn, chipped or cracked?
• Has anyone heard you grind at night?
• Are your teeth sensitive without a clear cause?
• Do you clench when you concentrate or feel stressed?

If you answered yes to two or more, mention it to your dentist. Cleveland Clinic says healthcare providers, often dentists, typically diagnose bruxism from a physical exam and your symptoms. A sleep study may be needed in some cases.

What can grinding do to your teeth?

Over time, grinding can wear, chip and crack teeth. Mayo Clinic says severe bruxism may lead to damage to your teeth or jaws and to fillings, crowns and other dental repairs. Cleveland Clinic says grinding a lot can put extra strain on teeth and jaws and lead to dental damage, headaches, jaw pain and other issues.

Worn enamel can also make teeth sensitive. Our guide on sensitive teeth explains why. A chipped or cracked tooth may need repair, as our guide on cracked and chipped teeth describes. Catching grinding early may help you avoid some of that.

What is TMJ, and how is it different from grinding?

The TMJ is the jaw joint. TMD is a group of problems in that joint or the muscles around it. NIDCR says temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Each person has two temporomandibular joints, one on each side, in front of the ears.

TMD and grinding are separate problems. They can happen together, and grinding may put strain on the jaw. But many people with grinding have no jaw disorder, and many with a jaw disorder do not grind. Cleveland Clinic notes that bruxism can lead to symptoms like TMJ disorders in some people.

NIDCR says TMD affects about 5% of adults in the U.S., though the number varies with how it is measured. It also says research does not support the belief that a bad bite or orthodontic treatment, such as braces, causes TMDs.

This guide explains TMD in general terms. The practice has no separate TMJ page. For grinding, see the practice’s night guards page.

What are the symptoms of a TMJ disorder?

Pain is the main symptom. NIDCR lists pain in the chewing muscles or jaw joint as the most common symptom. Other signs include painful clicking, popping or grating when you open or close your mouth, and a change in how the upper and lower teeth fit together. NIDCR also lists ringing in the ears, hearing loss and dizziness.

Not every jaw sound is a problem. NIDCR says clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joints without pain are common, are considered normal, and do not require treatment.

NIDCR says there is no widely accepted, standard test to diagnose TMDs. A doctor or dentist will ask about your symptoms and history, examine your head, neck, face and jaw, and may order imaging. They may need to rule out other conditions first.

How are TMJ problems managed?

Simple steps come first. NIDCR says many TMDs last only a short time and go away on their own, and that signs and symptoms go away without treatment for many people. When you first feel discomfort, a doctor or dentist may suggest:

1. Heat or cold on the face, with gentle jaw exercises.
2. Over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen. Follow the label, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have health conditions.
3. Cutting back on habits such as jaw clenching, gum chewing and nail biting.

If those steps do not help, other care may be advised. NIDCR describes options such as physical therapy and intraoral appliances. If your pain lingers or gets worse, see a dentist or doctor for an exam.

Do night guards help with grinding and jaw pain?

A night guard can protect your teeth. Cleveland Clinic says mouth guards for grinding help protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching, and that some people call them night guards. NIDCR describes intraoral appliances as devices that fit over the teeth and protect them, and may help with habit reversal such as jaw clenching. NIDCR says they do not change the teeth or bite.

A night guard does not remove the reason you grind. It acts as a barrier between the teeth. Cleveland Clinic also lists stress reduction as part of care, because managing stress may reduce bruxism symptoms. A night guard may be one part of a plan that also includes habits and check-ups.

Read how the practice describes its own night guards on its night guards page. Your dentist will talk with you about whether one fits you and what to expect.

What types of guards are there, and is store-bought good enough?

You can buy a guard at a store or have a dentist make one. Cleveland Clinic says store-bought guards are cheaper but not as effective as custom-made guards for protection against grinding. Custom guards are designed to fit your teeth, so they tend to be more comfortable.

Cleveland Clinic says the lab process can take up to two weeks in some cases. A guard that does not fit well can cause soreness in the teeth, gums or jaw. Your dentist can adjust a custom guard.

How do you care for a night guard?

Clean it and bring it to check-ups. Cleveland Clinic says mouth guards pick up bacteria from your mouth, so clean your teeth well before putting one in. It says a custom-made guard can last several years with proper care, depending on how often you wear it. Bring it to dental check-ups so your dentist can inspect it for cracks or wear.

Expect an adjustment period. Cleveland Clinic says it can take some time to get used to a mouth guard. If it hurts or does not stay in, call your dentist rather than giving up.

Can children grind their teeth?

Yes. Cleveland Clinic says anyone can develop bruxism, but it is most common during childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. If you hear your child grind at night, or see worn teeth or a sore jaw, mention it at the next dental visit. Your dentist can look at the teeth and talk with you about whether anything needs to be done.

When should you see a dentist about grinding or jaw pain?

Book a visit if you notice any of these:

• Worn, flat, chipped or loose teeth
• Jaw pain, or jaw sounds with pain
• Morning headaches or facial pain
• Trouble opening or closing your mouth
• Teeth that feel sensitive without a clear cause
• A change in how your teeth fit together

Bring a list of your symptoms, when they started, and any medicines you take. Early care can protect teeth, and NIDCR notes that diagnosis can be hard because jaw problems have causes that overlap with other conditions. A dentist can check your teeth and jaw, then suggest next steps or point you to a doctor.

What should you ask before getting a night guard?

A few questions help you choose well.

1. Do I grind or clench? What signs did you see?
2. Which type of guard fits my mouth: custom, boil-and-bite or stock?
3. Will it cover the upper or lower teeth?
4. How do I clean and store it?
5. How long might it last, and what care does it need?
6. How many visits will it take, and how does the lab process work?
7. How will fees and insurance work? The practice gives each patient their own estimate.

If you play sports, ask a separate question about a sports mouth guard. Our guide on sports mouth guards explains how those differ from night guards.

What else can you do about grinding?

Work on triggers. Manage stress. Cleveland Clinic lists a wide range of therapies, such as meditation, exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy. Cleveland Clinic also notes that caffeine and alcohol use and smoking are linked with more grinding, so cutting back may help.

Notice daytime clenching. Cleveland Clinic says you might notice your jaw clenching when you are concentrating hard on something. If you catch yourself, relax your jaw and take a breath. Your dentist can suggest more ways to build that habit.

If your partner hears you grind, or you also snore or stop breathing in sleep, tell your doctor. Cleveland Clinic says there is a link between sleep apnea and teeth grinding.

Next step

Read how the practice describes its night guards, then call (636) 273-5866 or request an appointment. Tell the team about morning headaches, jaw soreness or worn teeth so they can look.