Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, clenching, or gnashing your teeth, something many people do without even realizing it, especially during sleep. Occasional grinding usually isn't a problem, but frequent or severe bruxism can wear down teeth and lead to jaw pain and headaches. Ocotillo Trails Family Dentistry helps patients in San Tan Valley, Gilbert, and Mesa identify teeth grinding early and find the right approach to manage it.

San Tan Valley (480) 457-1977
Gilbert (480) 963-9900
Mesa (480) 830-3344

Awake Bruxism vs. Sleep Bruxism

These are treated as two separate patterns because they behave differently:

Awake bruxism usually happens during moments of stress, concentration, or tension—a clenched jaw while focused on a task, for example. Many people can reduce it by building awareness and managing stress.

Sleep bruxism happens without your awareness and tends to cause more wear over time because you can’t consciously stop it. It’s classified as a sleep-related movement disorder and is often what a dentist ends up treating.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of bruxism isn’t fully understood, but it’s linked to a mix of factors.

Stress, Sleep and Lifestyle

Stress and anxiety: Among the most common contributors to jaw clenching and teeth grinding, whether awake or during sleep
Sleep disorders: Particularly sleep apnea; the two conditions frequently occur together, though it’s not always clear which comes first
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol, and heavy caffeine intake are associated with a higher likelihood of grinding

Medications, Family History and Health

Certain medications: Including some antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, and ADHD medications, which can cause bruxism as a side effect
Family history: Bruxism, especially sleep bruxism, tends to run in families
Other conditions: Including Parkinson’s disease, GERD, and certain neurological conditions

Symptoms of Bruxism

Grinding or clenching sounds loud enough that a sleep partner notices
Flattened, chipped, fractured, or loose teeth
Worn tooth enamel, sometimes exposing more sensitive inner layers
Tooth pain or sensitivity
A tired, tight, or sore jaw, or a jaw that pops, clicks, or has trouble opening fully
Facial or neck pain
Earache-like pain that isn’t actually an ear problem
Dull headaches, especially near the temples, often noticed first thing in the morning

What Happens If Left Untreated

Ongoing bruxism can gradually wear down and damage teeth, crack fillings or crowns, and contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, along with recurring headaches and facial pain. Because the damage happens gradually, many people don’t realize how much wear has occurred until a dentist points it out.

How It's Diagnosed

Bruxism is usually identified during a routine dental exam. Your dentist checks for flattened or worn teeth, jaw tenderness, and other signs, and may track changes over a few visits to see whether it’s progressing. If a sleep-related cause seems likely, you may be referred for a sleep study to check for sleep apnea or other sleep disorders alongside the grinding.

Mouth Guards (Night Guards): Custom vs. Over-the-Counter

A mouth guard—often called a night guard when worn during sleep—is one of the most common ways to protect teeth from grinding damage. There are two general types.

Over-the-Counter Mouth Guards

Over-the-counter mouth guards are a more affordable, immediate option, though they typically fit less precisely and can feel bulkier.

Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards

Custom-fitted mouth guards are made from an impression of your own teeth. They generally offer a more comfortable and secure fit and are often better tolerated for regular nightly wear.

What a Night Guard Does

A mouth guard protects the teeth from wear by creating a protective barrier between the biting surfaces.

What a Night Guard Doesn't Do

A mouth guard doesn’t address why the grinding happens in the first place. It’s usually one part of a broader approach rather than a complete fix on its own.

Other Treatment Approaches

1. Stress Management

Meditation, exercise, or counseling can meaningfully reduce grinding tied to stress or anxiety.

2. Behavior Awareness

For awake bruxism, noticing and correcting jaw position throughout the day can help.

3. Address an Underlying Cause

Treating sleep apnea, adjusting a medication with the prescribing clinician, or managing GERD can sometimes resolve bruxism tied to that cause.

4. Short-Term Muscle Relaxants

A clinician may occasionally recommend a muscle relaxant for a limited period.

5. Botox for Severe Cases

Some providers offer Botox injections to relax the jaw muscles when severe bruxism doesn’t respond to other treatment. This requires repeat treatment every few months and isn’t a first-line option.

What You Can Do at Home

Daily awareness, stress reduction, and healthy sleep habits can support your dental treatment plan.

Reduce Triggers and Support Sleep

Practice stress-reduction techniques such as exercise, meditation, or a relaxing routine before bed
Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening, since both can worsen grinding
Avoid smoking
Keep a consistent, healthy sleep routine

Notice and Monitor the Pattern

Ask a sleep partner if they notice grinding or clicking sounds, and mention it at your next dental visit
Keep up with regular dental checkups; this is genuinely the most reliable way bruxism gets caught early

How We Treat Teeth Grinding

During your regular exam, we check for telltale signs of grinding—worn edges, flattened teeth, and jaw tenderness—often before you’d notice anything yourself. If we see signs of bruxism, we’ll talk through what might be contributing to it and the right next steps for your situation, whether that’s a properly fitted mouth guard, addressing a specific cause, or simply keeping an eye on it at future visits. Our General & Preventive Dentistry team builds this into your regular checkup routine.

Medically Reviewed Information

Medically reviewed by Dr. Matthew Roper, DDS. Last updated October 1, 2026.

Dr. Roper is a licensed general dentist who earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from A.T. Still University in Mesa.

This information is for educational purposes and does not replace a professional diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is teeth grinding serious?

It depends on frequency and severity. Occasional grinding, especially during a stressful period, usually isn’t a major concern. Frequent or severe grinding, especially during sleep, can cause real dental damage and jaw problems over time and is worth addressing.

Can children outgrow teeth grinding?

Yes, bruxism is common in children and adolescents, and most outgrow it by adulthood without lasting damage. It’s still worth mentioning to your child’s dentist so it can be monitored.

Does stress really cause teeth grinding?

Stress and anxiety are among the most common contributing factors for both awake and sleep bruxism, though other things such as sleep disorders, medications, and genetics play a role too.

What's the difference between a custom and store-bought mouth guard?

A custom mouth guard is made from an impression of your own teeth for a more precise, comfortable fit, while an over-the-counter version is more generic and affordable but often less comfortable for regular use. Both aim to protect your teeth from grinding damage.

Neighborhoods We Serve

Ocotillo Trails Family Dentistry is proud to welcome patients from San Tan Valley and the surrounding communities, including:

Driving Directions to Our San Tan Valley Dental Office

Coming to Ocotillo Trails Family Dentistry for tooth grinding or bruxism? Find us at 40815 N Ironwood Rd #102, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140. Take N Ironwood Road toward E Ocotillo Road and enter the property to reach Suite 102.