First published: Sept 2018 Updated: Sept 2026
I’ve dealt with bruxism and TMD since university — bad enough at times that headaches and jaw pain genuinely got in the way of studying. It’s part of why I take it seriously with patients, and why I know first-hand that “just relax” isn’t much use as advice on its own.
Written by Dr Kathryn Al-Dhafeeri, Dentist
What is Bruxism and How Does It Affect You?
Bruxism is the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, often without realising it. It can happen during the day (sometimes triggered by stress or concentration) or at night while you sleep. Left unmanaged, bruxism can cause:
- Jaw pain or tightness
- Headaches and facial pain
- Earaches or neck pain
- Tooth wear, chipping or cracking
Not sure if you grind? Here are 5 signs you’re grinding your teeth (even if you don’t know it).
What is TMD?
TMD (temporomandibular disorder) affects the jaw joint and the muscles around it. Common causes include:
- Clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism)
- Straining the jaw muscles, such as biting nails, chewing pens or taking large bites
- Overusing the joint through excessive gum chewing, wide yawning or tough foods
Causes of Tooth Grinding
Bruxism usually comes down to more than one factor:
- Stress and anxiety — common triggers for daytime clenching
- Sleep disorders — night-time grinding can be linked to airway issues
- Jaw habits and overuse — chewing gum or biting hard foods
- Lifestyle factors — caffeine, alcohol and some medications can make it worse
It’s important to understand that you often can’t just “stop” grinding your teeth. Managing it is about reducing the triggers and protecting your teeth.
How I Manage My Bruxism
Over the years, these are the strategies that have helped me most with flare-ups:
- Stress management. Exercise is the biggest lever for me. When I’m not moving regularly, the clenching gets noticeably worse.
- Heat therapy. A warm compress on the jaw muscles at the end of the day eases tension before it builds up overnight.
- Jaw awareness and gentle exercises. I check whether my teeth are touching at rest (they shouldn’t be) and do simple jaw stretches.
- Avoiding hard or chewy foods. When my jaw’s already feeling tight, there’s no point adding fuel to it.
- Physio, when it’s more than I can manage myself. If your jaw muscles are very tight or painful, a physiotherapist who works with jaw/TMD patients can help in a way self-care alone doesn’t.
Why Early Treatment Matters
I chipped a tooth before I got serious about managing this, which is what finally got me into a custom hard splint. It protects my teeth, though it doesn’t touch the muscle tension itself.
Over time, untreated grinding can damage your teeth. They may:
- Wear down and shorten
- Chip or crack
- Shift in alignment as the jaw compensates
For more detail, I’ve written about what tooth grinding does to your teeth.
More than just teeth
If you’re noticing tooth grinding, jaw pain, headaches or snoring, it’s worth getting checked early. That usually means simpler, less expensive treatment.
Grinding can be linked to obstructive sleep apnoea, so if a sleep disorder is suspected, we may refer you to a sleep physician.
For children who grind their teeth or snore, it’s also worth having them checked. These can be signs of airway problems such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or a narrow palate.
Takeaway
Bruxism is common, and it’s manageable. With early detection, lifestyle changes and treatments like dental splints, you can protect your teeth, help manage jaw pain and reduce the risk of long-term damage. See how we approach TMD treatment in Brisbane CBD.
If you’re noticing any of these signs, book a consultation with our Brisbane CBD dentists.
