Teeth grinding (bruxism) is the unconscious gnashing, grinding, or clenching of the teeth. It usually occurs during sleep. This process can grind away parts of the teeth, leaving flattened, worn-down biting edges; fractured enamel; and painful or loose teeth.
Signs and symptoms of bruxism may include:
Teeth grinding or clenching, which may be loud enough to awaken your sleep partner
Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose
Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth
Increased tooth sensitivity
Jaw or face pain or soreness
Tired or tight jaw muscles
Pain that feels like an earache, though it’s actually not a problem with your ear
Dull headache originating in the temples
Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek
Indentations on your tongue
When to see a dentist
Your teeth are worn, damaged or sensitive
You have pain in your jaw, face or ear
Others complain that you make a grinding noise while you sleep
You have a locked jaw that won’t open or close completely
If you notice that your child is grinding his or her teeth — or has other signs or symptoms of bruxism — be sure to mention it at your child’s next dental appointment.
In most cases, bruxism doesn’t cause serious complications. But severe bruxism may lead to:
Damage to your teeth, restorations, crowns or jaw
Tension-type headaches
Facial pain
Disorders that occur in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), located just in front of your ears, which may sound like clicking when you open and close your mouth