How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth

October 11, 2022
| Calvin Bennet

Written by Calvin Bennet · Updated September 2026

Teeth grinding (bruxism) is when you clench or grind your teeth — often during sleep and usually without realizing it. It’s commonly linked to stress, anxiety, and sleep problems, and over time it can wear down teeth and cause jaw pain and headaches. The most effective protection is a custom night guard from your dentist, along with managing the stress behind it.

Do you find yourself clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth at night? You’re not alone. About 50 percent of people grind their teeth at some point in their lives. However, grinding your teeth can lead to serious dental problems, so it’s important to take steps to stop it. Here are a few tips that can help.

What is Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is the involuntary clenching and grinding of the teeth. This usually occurs during sleep, however, other causes can include stress, anxiety, tension or concentration. The use of tobacco, caffeine, alcohol, and other illicit drugs can also increase the likelihood of teeth grinding.

Symptoms

Since teeth grinding most often occurs during sleep, some people may not be aware that they are doing it in the first place. However, there are some telltale signs that can make you aware if you are experiencing it.

Face, neck, and shoulder pain
Tight or sore jaw muscles
Worn-down or broken teeth causing sensitivity
Headaches or earaches
Disturbed sleep
Pain around your ears or temples

Long-term Effects

If left untreated, there can be some long-term consequences to this problem. Persistent teeth grinding can wear down tooth surfaces and tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity and height loss.

The constant movement and pressure can cause cracks, chips, and fractures. If you have any fillings, crowns, or bridges, grinding can lead to damaging these as well. Temporomandibular disorders such as TMJ Syndrome can result from aggressive grinding, preventing the muscle system of bones and joints from working together.

Treatment

The most common treatment for bruxism patients is a nightguard, essentially a retainer-like device, that is worn overnight. Although this device prevents damage to the teeth and mouth, it does not put a stop to the action of grinding. The only way to put a stop to grinding completely is by identifying the root of the problem and attempting to treat it. Different routes to improve teeth grinding include:

Medication such as muscle relaxers for the jaw, or antidepressants if the root cause is life stressors.
Procedures such as botox injections in the jaw muscles.
Behavioral strategies such as therapy sessions with psychologists to address stress management and relaxation.

Grinding your teeth can lead to many problems down the road if left untreated. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms and see a dentist if you think you may be grinding your teeth. There are treatments available that can help lessen the effects of grinding your teeth, so don’t hesitate to get help if you need it.

What causes teeth grinding?

Grinding is often your body’s response to stress — but several things can drive it:

Stress and anxiety — the most common trigger, and why many people grind more during hard stretches.
Sleep problems such as sleep apnea, which is closely tied to nighttime grinding.
Caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening.
Certain medications (some antidepressants, for example).
Bite or alignment issues.

Because sleep grinding happens while you’re unconscious, many people don’t know they do it until a partner hears it or a dentist notices the wear.