Teeth grinding (bruxism)

It's not always clear what causes people to grind their teeth. It's often linked to:

• stress and anxiety – this is the most common cause of teeth grinding
• sleep problems like snoring and sleep apnoea
• taking medicines for sleep problems, depression or anxiety
• smoking
• drinking lots of alcohol or caffeine

There are a number of things you can try that may help if you grind your teeth.

• find ways to relax – for example, by doing breathing exercises, listening to music and taking regular exercise

• try to improve your sleep by going to bed at the same time every night, relaxing before bedtime, and making sure your bedroom is dark and quiet

• take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen if you have jaw pain or swelling

• use an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel for 20 to 30 minutes to help reduce jaw pain or swelling

• have regular dental check-ups

• do not smoke

• do not drink too much alcohol or caffeine

• do not chew gum or eat hard foods if you have tooth or jaw pain

Teeth grinding can happen while you're awake or asleep.

As well as grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw, other symptoms can include:

• a painful jaw, which can lead to a condition called temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
• worn-down or broken teeth, which can cause increased sensitivity, and loss of teeth and fillings
• headaches
• earache
• disturbed sleep

• you grind your teeth and have tooth damage or sensitive teeth
• you grind your teeth and have pain in your jaw, face or ear
• your partner says you're grinding your teeth in your sleep
• you're worried about your child grinding their teeth

See a GP if you need help with some of the causes of teeth grinding, such as stress, anxiety, smoking, drinking too much or taking drugs.

Treatment for teeth grinding is not always needed.

Treatments from a dentist

A dentist may recommend a mouth guard or mouth splint.

These are worn at night and protect your teeth from damage. They can be made by a dentist to fit precisely over your upper or lower teeth.

Treatments from a GP

A GP can give you advice and recommend treatments for reducing stress.

They will also be able to help if you want to give up smoking, or if you need advice about drug addiction or cutting down on alcohol.

Teeth grinding is usually caused by stress and anxiety. But it can also be related to sleep problems, taking certain medicines, smoking and alcohol.

Things you can do to help reduce teeth grinding include relaxing, practising good sleep habits and taking painkillers to reduce any pain or swelling.

Jaw clenching and teeth grinding are the main symptoms of bruxism. But you may also have other symptoms including face and jaw pain, and headaches.

A dentist may recommend a mouth guard or mouth splint if you grind your teeth. It fits over your teeth, and stops you grinding and damaging them.