Bruxism Causes
Edited by Merve Aydin, Health Content Editor · About 7 min read · General information, not medical advice
| When it happens | During waking hours, often while concentrating or feeling stressed | During sleep, usually without awareness |
|---|---|---|
| How common | More common overall, according to NIDCR | Less common than awake bruxism, but studied more |
| Common links | Stress, anxiety, anger, intense concentration | Snoring, sleep apnea, alcohol, caffeine |
| Why it matters | Awareness and stress reduction may be enough for mild cases | Can do more harm because you cannot notice or stop it |
| How it is checked | History and physical exam | History and exam; a sleep study may be used |
A sleep study, or polysomnography, can detect sleep-related disorders and assess whether muscle activity during sleep is consistent with grinding. NIDCR notes that it is usually done in a sleep center, and Cleveland Clinic notes that it may be needed in some cases. For more on the nighttime pattern, see teeth grinding at night.
How bruxism causes jaw pain and TMD
Bruxism is one of the overuse factors that can contribute to temporomandibular disorders, the group of conditions that affect the jaw joint and the muscles that move it. Cleveland Clinic lists teeth grinding or clenching among the causes of TMD, and an American Academy of Family Physicians review lists overuse such as bruxism and nocturnal clenching among TMD causes.
That does not mean every person who grinds will develop TMD. NIDCR reports that TMD affects about 5% of adults in the U.S., and Cleveland Clinic puts the number at up to 12 million people, most between the ages of 20 and 40. Many TMD cases improve without treatment.
Forceful clenching puts extra strain on the teeth and jaws, which can contribute to sore muscles, headaches, and tooth damage. TMD can also cause jaw or face pain, clicking, stiffness, limited opening, earache, and ringing in the ears. TMJ and bruxism explains the link, and TMJ symptoms covers signs to track.
What helps when bruxism causes symptoms
Most treatment starts with simple, reversible steps. NIDCR notes that many cases are mild and may not need treatment, while severe bruxism can lead to damaged teeth, jaw pain or tiredness, and headache.
- Notice daytime clenching. Keep your teeth apart when you are not eating, and use written notes or phone reminders if you tend to clench while concentrating.
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol, and stop smoking. Cleveland Clinic and the NHS both link these habits to bruxism.
- Try a cold pack for jaw soreness. The NHS suggests an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Choose softer foods and avoid gum or hard foods while your jaw is painful.
- Ask a dentist about a custom mouth guard or splint. It can protect the teeth from wear, though NIDCR notes there is not a lot of evidence that appliances by themselves improve TMD pain.
- Get help with stress and sleep. Relaxation, breathing exercises, regular exercise, and treatment for a sleep problem may reduce symptoms.
Cleveland Clinic notes that stress reduction may include meditation, exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy, and that a muscle relaxer before bedtime is sometimes used for a short time.
Who to see about teeth grinding causes
A dentist is the usual first stop, especially if you have tooth damage, sensitivity, or jaw pain. The NHS advises seeing a dentist when grinding is causing tooth damage or pain in the jaw, face, or ear, and NIDCR recommends regular dental exams so that signs can be spotted early.
A physician can help with some of the underlying causes. The NHS suggests seeing a primary care doctor for help with stress, anxiety, smoking, alcohol, or drug use. If a sleep problem such as snoring or sleep apnea is part of the picture, that is also worth raising.
For persistent jaw pain, an orofacial pain dentist may be helpful. Orofacial pain is one of 12 recognized dental specialties, according to the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards, and NIDCR suggests seeking a second opinion from an orofacial pain specialist before irreversible treatment. You can read about what an orofacial pain specialist does, or search for an orofacial pain specialist near you.
Physical therapy can help some people with TMD. NIDCR notes that manual therapy, in which a therapist uses their hands to stretch soft tissues and muscles around the joint, can improve function and relieve pain. If you are looking for a dentist to evaluate grinding and jaw pain, start with a TMJ doctor near you. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be considered when symptoms are severe or do not respond to other care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cause of bruxism?
There is no single main cause. The NHS describes stress and anxiety as the most common cause, while Cleveland Clinic and NIDCR describe bruxism as the result of several contributing factors.
Can anxiety cause teeth grinding?
Yes, anxiety is one of the most frequently cited factors. Cleveland Clinic notes that feeling anxious, stressed, or angry can make you grind, and the NHS lists stress and anxiety as the most common cause.
Do medications cause bruxism?
Some can contribute. NIDCR mentions medicines for depression, seizures, and ADHD, and Cleveland Clinic specifically names selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine on your own; ask the prescriber or a pharmacist about your options.
Does sleep apnea cause bruxism?
The relationship is not settled. Cleveland Clinic reports a confirmed correlation between sleep apnea and teeth grinding, but it is unclear which causes which, and the NHS lists snoring and sleep apnoea as linked problems.
Can children have bruxism?
Yes. NIDCR states that children as well as adults can have the condition, and Cleveland Clinic notes that children often outgrow bruxism by adolescence.
Can bruxism cause TMD?
It can contribute. Cleveland Clinic lists teeth grinding or clenching among the causes of TMD, and the AAFP review lists bruxism and nocturnal clenching as overuse causes. Many people who grind do not develop TMD.
Does caffeine cause teeth grinding?
Caffeine is associated with bruxism. Cleveland Clinic states that people who smoke, drink alcohol, and consume more than six cups of coffee a day are twice as likely to grind their teeth as people who do not.
References
- Bruxism | National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research — NIDCR
- TMD | NIDCR — NIDCR
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment — Cleveland Clinic
- TMJ Disorders: Symptoms & Treatment — Cleveland Clinic
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) - NHS — NHS
- Temporomandibular Disorders: Rapid Evidence Review | AFP — American Academy of Family Physicians
- Recognized Dental Specialties | National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards — NCRDSCB
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with a dentist, physician, or other qualified clinician about your own symptoms, and seek prompt medical care for jaw locking, facial swelling with fever, numbness, injury, or chest pain with jaw pain.
Reviewed by the tmjspecialistguide.com editorial team · Last updated 2026-11-01.