Patient newsletter · Our summary
Your teeth and jaws under pressure
Clenching or grinding, often from stress, can wear teeth and strain your jaw. Here are signs to watch for and ways we can help.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is a habit of grinding your teeth or repeatedly clenching or pushing your jaw forward. It can crack or break teeth and raise the chance of gum problems, and it can show up in children as young as preschool age.
What causes it?
No one knows for sure. Stress may play a part. In kids, it can happen while baby teeth are being replaced, and nail biting may contribute. Many people do it in their sleep without knowing. Tobacco, alcohol, very heavy caffeine use (around 8+ cups of coffee a day), and some medications or drugs can raise the risk.
Signs to tell us about
Jaw pain, headaches when you wake up, teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold, or chipped teeth or fillings.
How we can help
There isn’t one proven fix, but options include cutting back on tobacco and caffeine, counseling to notice daytime clenching and learn to relax, and reviewing medications with your physician. We may also suggest a custom oral appliance, a thin plastic tray worn over your upper or lower teeth, which may reduce grinding and help protect your teeth and gums.
Questions? Ask Dr. Greg or Dr. Gina at your next visit — we’re always happy to talk.
This information is general and not a substitute for personal dental advice.