Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

If left untreated, bruxism can lead to tooth wear and fractures and to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.

On Waking

• Jaw pain or tightness
• Headache (particularly around the temples)
• Tooth pain or sensitivity
• Tired jaw muscles

Oral Signs

• Worn and flattened tooth surfaces (particularly on the canines and front teeth)
• Cracks and fractures in the enamel
• Fractured fillings or crowns
• Bite marks on the inside of the cheek
• Notches along the edge of the tongue
• Tooth sensitivity (to hot and cold)

Jaw and Facial Signs

• TMJ (jaw joint) pain — clicking on opening and closing
• Earache (originating from the jaw joint)
• Hypertrophy of the jaw muscles — changing the shape of the face
• Neck and shoulder pain

Psychological Factors

• Stress and anxiety — the most common cause
• Anxiety disorders
• Type A, competitive personality
• High workload

Physical Factors

• Bite (occlusal) discrepancies — mismatched contact between upper and lower teeth
• Sleep apnoea — associated with airway obstruction
• Certain medicines — SSRIs, amphetamines
• Caffeine and alcohol — can trigger sleep bruxism
• Smoking

1. Night Guard (Occlusal Splint)

The cornerstone of treatment — a custom-made appliance that protects the teeth:

• Hard acrylic or soft silicone
• Fits over the upper or lower teeth
• Prevents wear and fracture
• Distributes load across the jaw muscles

Price: 3,000–8,000 TL

2. Stress Management

• Relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation)
• Regular exercise
• Improved sleep hygiene
• Psychotherapy where indicated

3. Occlusal (Bite) Correction

If the bite is uneven, orthodontic treatment or selective grinding can correct it.

4. Botulinum Toxin (Botox)

For severe bruxism, botulinum toxin injections into the chewing muscles (masseter):

• Reduces muscle activity by 60–80%
• Lasts 3–6 months
• Significantly reduces pain and muscle hypertrophy

5. Physiotherapy

• Exercise programme for the jaw muscles
• Hot/cold application
• Ultrasound therapy
• Manual therapy

Chronic bruxism is one of the most common causes of TMJ disorders:

• Displacement of the joint disc
• Joint pain and clicking
• Restricted mouth opening
• Headache, earache and neck pain

Early treatment — a night guard combined with stress management — can prevent TMJ problems developing.

Teeth grinding is common in children:

• In the primary-tooth stage it can be physiological
• It usually settles as the permanent teeth come through
• Stress, anxiety or sleep disorders can be triggers
• If there is significant wear, a night guard may be considered

1. Lobbezoo F, Ahlberg J, Glaros AG, et al. Bruxism defined and graded: an international consensus. J Oral Rehabil. 2013;40(1):2–4. PubMed
2. Manfredini D, Ahlberg J, Winocur E, Lobbezoo F. Management of sleep bruxism in adults: a qualitative systematic literature review. J Oral Rehabil. 2015;42(11):862–874. PubMed
3. Jokstad A. The effectiveness of stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular disorders. Evid Based Dent. 2005;6(4):93–94. PubMed

Grinding your teeth at night? At Derya Dental Clinic in Maltepe we will assess your bite and jaw muscles and fit a custom night guard if indicated.

📞 0216 572 05 20 💬 WhatsApp appointment

• TMJ Jaw Joint Disorder — Related condition
• Gum Recession Treatment — Bruxism as a risk factor
• Types of Dental Fillings — Restoring worn teeth

This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a specialist for decisions about your oral and dental health.