Tooth grinding, medically known as bruxism, affects many people, but estimates vary widely depending on the population studied. Some research suggests 5–8% of adults grind their teeth, while other studies report numbers as high as 30%. Rather than getting lost in numbers, let me share my personal experience and practical advice.
Written by Kathryn Al-Dhafeeri
What is Bruxism and How Does It Affect You?
Bruxism is the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, often unconsciously. It can happen during the day—sometimes triggered by stress or concentration—or at night during sleep. Left untreated, bruxism can cause:
Jaw pain or tightness
Headaches and facial pain
Earaches or neck pain
Tooth wear, chipping, or cracking
I first experienced severe headaches and jaw pain during university. So intense were the headaches that I often had to lie down in a dark room. After a visit with a dentist at the dental hospital where I studied, I was diagnosed with TMD (temporomandibular disorder).
TMD affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Common causes include:
Clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism)
Straining jaw muscles (e.g., biting nails, holding pens, chewing large foods)
Overuse of the joint (excessive gum chewing, yawning, or tough foods)
Causes of Tooth Grinding
Bruxism can arise from multiple factors:
Stress and anxiety – common triggers for daytime grinding
Sleep disorders – nighttime grinding may be linked to airway issues
Jaw alignment or overuse – habits like chewing gum or biting hard foods
Lifestyle factors – caffeine, alcohol, or certain medications can worsen symptoms
It’s important to understand that you often can’t just “stop” grinding your teeth. The first treatment I tried over a decade ago was a soft mouthguard—but it worsened my clenching!
How I Manage My Bruxism
Over the years, I’ve learned several effective strategies to reduce flare-ups:
Stress management: Exercise works best for me—yoga, long walks, meditation, or relaxing baths can help too.
Avoid hard or chewy foods: Skip gum, chewy lollies, and tough foods like burgers or apples.
Heat therapy: Applying a warm towel to the jaw eases tension and discomfort.
Jaw exercises: A dentist or physiotherapist can teach exercises to relax the jaw muscles.
Awareness: Keep your teeth slightly apart at rest to prevent unconscious clenching.
Why Early Treatment is Important
Untreated bruxism can cause severe tooth damage. Over time, teeth may:
Wear down and shorten
Chip or crack
Shift in alignment due to compensatory changes in the jaw
In my case, recent bruxism caused me to chip a tooth, prompting a visit to Dr Mishari to get a hard dental splint.
What is a Dental Splint?
A dental splint is a custom-made, hard plastic device that fits over your teeth. It:
Prevents teeth from rubbing together and wearing down
Reduces the risk of chipping or cracking
Can slightly adjust jaw positioning for comfort
What to expect at your dentist:
Examination of teeth for wear and jaw joint assessment
X-rays or imaging if other complications are suspected
Scans of your teeth to create a custom-fitted splint
If a sleep disorder is suspected, you may also be referred to a sleep physician, as bruxism can be linked to obstructive sleep apnea.
More Than Just Teeth
If you experience tooth grinding, jaw pain, headaches, or snoring, it’s best to get checked early. Early treatment is simpler, less expensive, and more effective.
For children who grind their teeth or snore, evaluation is also important—these can indicate airway problems such as enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or a narrow palate.
Takeaway
Bruxism is common, but manageable. With early detection, lifestyle adjustments, and treatments like dental splints, you can protect your teeth, reduce jaw pain, and prevent long-term damage.
At Dentistry on George, we help patients across Brisbane manage bruxism and TMD with gentle, professional care. Don’t wait until damage occurs—schedule a consultation with our Brisbane dentists today.
