Bruxism means clenching or grinding your teeth without meaning to, either during the day or while you sleep. It is not usually dangerous, but over time it can wear down or crack teeth and leave your jaw sore in the morning. A night guard made by a dentist protects your teeth, but it does not "cure" the habit.
Many people only find out because a partner hears the noise at night. If this sounds like you, you are not alone, and it can be managed.
MedlinePlus describes bruxism as clenching your teeth or sliding them back and forth over each other. You can do it without noticing. There are two types:
In otherwise healthy people, experts view bruxism as a behavior rather than a disease (Lobbezoo et al., 2018). What matters is whether it causes pain or wear.
It is common. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) estimates that about 8% of young and middle-aged adults grind their teeth in their sleep. The rate goes down with age. In people who wear dentures, the sound may be muffled, so bruxism can go unnoticed.
Most people do not know they clench or grind (MouthHealthy). The most common signs (MedlinePlus; AASM):
Repeated pressure and rubbing wear away enamel. Over time, teeth can chip, fracture or loosen (MedlinePlus; Merck Manual). Crowns can also fracture or be damaged by grinding (Merck Manual). If you are getting a crown or bridge, it helps for your dentist to know that you grind.
The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) connects your jaw to your skull. MedlinePlus explains that clenching and grinding put pressure on the muscles and the joint, which can lead to TMJ problems. But it is not that simple: the NIDCR says the exact cause of these disorders is often unclear. And a jaw that clicks without pain is common and considered normal.
The NIDCR advises starting with simple, reversible care and avoiding treatments that permanently change your teeth or bite. If you are offered something irreversible, ask about risks and alternatives, or get a second opinion.
There is no single cause, and experts still disagree about it (MedlinePlus). Bruxism is linked with certain factors, but linked does not mean caused.
The goals are to ease pain, prevent permanent damage and clench less (MedlinePlus).
A night guard (also called an occlusal splint) is a plastic piece that covers your teeth while you sleep. Its main job is to protect your teeth.
A guard should not permanently change your bite. If it causes pain, stop using it and see your dentist (NIDCR).
A Cochrane review from 2007 found not enough evidence that a splint treats sleep bruxism itself, although it may help with tooth wear. MedlinePlus adds that symptoms can come back when you stop wearing it. Bottom line: a night guard protects, but it does not "cure."
Watch for other signs of sleep apnea: loud snoring, pauses in breathing that your partner notices, waking up tired or with a headache, or feeling sleepy during the day (MedlinePlus). If that sounds familiar, bring it up with your doctor. A sleep study can detect sleep apnea (AASM).
Bruxism is even more common in children: the AASM estimates that 14% to 17% of kids have it. The good news is that, according to KidsHealth (Nemours), most kids outgrow it, often when they lose their baby teeth. Still, the AASM notes that about one-third of children with bruxism still have it as adults.
Pain (such as an earache or teething), teeth that do not line up well or stress can play a role (KidsHealth). Have a dentist check for wear; if there is pain or damage, they may suggest a custom night guard. If your child sleeps poorly, mention it to their pediatrician too. Here is what to expect at a child's first dental visit.
Schedule a checkup if any of these apply:
When not to wait: if you have trouble eating or opening your mouth, contact your dentist right away (MedlinePlus). If a tooth broke and hurts a lot, or your face is swollen or you have a fever, ask for a same-day visit. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 or go to the emergency room. More in dental emergency in Kendall: what to do.
PureSmile Miami opens on November 2, 2026, at 8000 SW 117th Ave, Suite 100, in Kendall. At your first visit, our dentist checks your teeth for wear, looks at your crowns and fillings, and examines your jaw muscles. Then they walk you through your X-rays and explain what they see. If a night guard makes sense for you, we tell you what it can do and what it cannot. We see patients in English or Spanish, verify your insurance for free and give you a written treatment plan before we start.
Join the waitlist or call us at (305) 787-3642.
There is no single cause. Bruxism is linked with stress, sleep apnea, some medications, and alcohol, caffeine or tobacco close to bedtime.
Common clues are jaw pain or a headache when you wake up, worn or sensitive teeth, and someone hearing the noise. A dentist can often see the wear at a checkup.
For adults, the usual goal is to manage it rather than make it disappear: protect your teeth with a night guard, lower stress and check for factors like sleep apnea.
They can help in some cases, but they may not protect as well as a custom guard (MouthHealthy). A dental evaluation first is the safe move.
It is common, and most kids outgrow it. Have a dentist check for wear, especially if your child has pain when waking up or chewing.
General information; not a substitute for an in-person evaluation. Sources: MedlinePlus; American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM); MouthHealthy (ADA); Merck Manual; NIDCR; Cochrane (Macedo et al., 2007); Garrett and Hawley (2018); Lobbezoo et al. (2018); KidsHealth (Nemours). Yoan Suárez Zayas, DMD · FL Lic. DN 21413.
