What Is Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding involves clenching or rubbing your teeth together. It usually happens at night during sleep. Some people also do it throughout the day. That repeated pressure strains your teeth, jaw joints, and facial muscles. Over time, it can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain, and even loose teeth.

Bruxism comes in two main forms. Awake bruxism often relates to stress or focus. Sleep bruxism, on the other hand, happens without your awareness and may connect to other health issues. Both forms can lead to the same kind of damage.

What Are the Teeth Grinding Causes?

Stress and anxiety are the most common reasons adults grind their teeth. Tension during the day often carries into the night. This affects how your muscles behave while you sleep. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea are also strongly linked to nighttime grinding. In these cases, the body responds to disrupted breathing by tensing the jaw.

An uneven bite or missing teeth can also contribute. When your teeth do not fit together properly, your jaw may try to self-correct by moving or clenching. Lifestyle habits play a role as well. Caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can increase muscle activity and disrupt your sleep cycle. Certain medications, especially antidepressants and stimulants, may trigger bruxism in some patients. For that reason, a full health and medication history is important during diagnosis.

Signs & Symptoms to Watch For

Because grinding often happens while you sleep, you might not notice right away. Still, there are clear signs. You may wake up with headaches or tightness in your jaw or temples. Your teeth might look flat, chipped, or unusually worn. Some people develop clicking or popping in the jaw. Others feel pain while chewing. Tooth sensitivity and facial tension are also common. If you notice any of these, your dentist may be the first to point them out during a routine exam.

How McKinney Dental Treats Teeth Grinding

We approach each case of bruxism with a custom plan. For many patients, we recommend a night guard. This is a clear, comfortable device that fits over your teeth while you sleep. It protects your enamel and gives your jaw muscles a break.

If stress plays a role, we may suggest relaxation techniques or lifestyle changes to reduce tension. If your bite is misaligned, we will evaluate whether dental work could bring your teeth into a more natural position. In certain cases, especially if jaw muscles stay tense over time, Botox injections may be an option. If we suspect sleep apnea, we may refer you for a sleep study to understand what is happening at night.

Every treatment plan begins with a careful exam, a conversation about symptoms, and a look at your health history.

Protect Your Smile With the Right Help

Teeth grinding often goes unnoticed until it starts to cause damage. However, early action can prevent long-term issues like enamel loss, jaw pain, and costly repairs. If you have noticed signs of grinding or clenching, McKinney Dental is here to help. We will find the cause and guide you toward the right solution. Call us today to schedule your consultation. Your smile – and your jaw – will thank you.