Is Teeth Grinding Normal?

April 25, 2023

There’s no question that clenching or grinding your teeth can be harmful. Clenching and grinding can put intense pressure on the teeth, jaw, and the muscles that support jaw movement, resulting in cracked or broken teeth and jaw and facial pain.

But is teeth grinding normal?

An estimated 8.6% of the general population suffers from sleep bruxism, which is when a person grinds their teeth while asleep [1]. However, that number doesn’t account for daytime bruxism, or people who do not report bruxism but still grind their teeth.

Here’s what you need to know about whether teeth grinding is normal, and if you need to be concerned about it.

Some Teeth Grinding Is Normal

It’s normal to grind your teeth from time to time. This could happen during periods of stress, or if you consumed too much caffeine, or are taking a certain medication. These are all factors that can influence bruxism [2].

If you do not have symptoms of teeth grinding and your dentist does not notice signs of bruxism, you likely have nothing to worry about. However, if you have symptoms of bruxism, this is cause for concern, as your teeth may already be damaged.

Chronic or Severe Teeth Grinding Is Not

People who clench or grind their teeth habitually are at a much higher risk for tooth damage than those who do not. These include people who grind their teeth nightly and wake up with tooth or jaw pain.

In addition, symptoms of chronic or severe bruxism can include [3]:

Temporomandibular (TMJ) symptoms, such as ear popping or jaw clicking
Worn-down teeth
Sensitive teeth
Chipped or cracked teeth
Headaches
Gum inflammation

Since bruxism can be so severe as to lead to tooth loss, it’s essential not to ignore any signs or symptoms you may be experiencing. Your dentist can tell if you grind your teeth and help you develop a plan to reduce the damage of bruxism or address the potential underlying causes.

What Is the Treatment for Bruxism?

Treatment for bruxism generally begins with a mouthguard that is worn at night to help mitigate the damage caused by sleep bruxism. While your teeth are protected, you can work with your dentist to identify potential causes of bruxism, which may include [4]:

Stress
Consuming too much caffeine
Taking certain medications
A misaligned bite
Anxiety and depression
Sleep apnea

It’s possible that your bruxism may not have a single defined cause or could be caused by multiple things. Working with a dentist experienced in identifying and treating teeth grinding can help you protect your smile.

Do You Grind Your Teeth?

If you grind your teeth and notice any of the signs or symptoms above, you could be a chronic bruxer and be damaging your teeth. Don’t wait to talk to your dentist about what you can do to reduce your symptoms and keep your teeth healthy and strong!