Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

You wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache near your temples, or teeth that ache for no obvious reason. If that sounds familiar, there is a good chance you are clenching or grinding your teeth in your sleep without ever realizing it. Bruxism is one of the most common concerns we see in patients across the GTA, and it is very manageable once we understand what is triggering it for you.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the clinical term for grinding, gnashing, or clenching your teeth outside of normal chewing. It can happen during the day, often without you noticing, especially while you are concentrating, driving, or under stress. It can also happen at night while you sleep, and sleep bruxism tends to cause more damage because the muscle force involved is stronger than anything you would apply while awake and in control of your jaw.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

There is rarely a single cause. In patients we see across Toronto and the wider GTA, a handful of factors show up again and again.

• Stress and anxiety. This is the trigger we hear about most, especially from patients balancing work, commuting, and family life. If anxiety plays a role for you, our dental anxiety tips can help alongside treatment for grinding.

• Sleep disorders, particularly sleep apnea. The two conditions are closely linked, and treating one often improves the other.

• A misaligned bite. When your upper and lower teeth do not meet evenly, your jaw muscles compensate, sometimes by clenching.

• Certain medications. Some antidepressants and stimulants list grinding as a known side effect.

• Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. All three can increase muscle activity and disrupt the quality of your sleep.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Because grinding usually happens overnight, most people do not know they are doing it until we spot it during a checkup or a partner mentions hearing it. Common signs include:

• A sore, tight, or tired jaw, especially first thing in the morning

• Dull headaches near the temples

• Teeth that look flattened, worn short, or chipped

• New or worsening sensitivity to hot and cold

• Clicking, popping, or occasional locking in the jaw joint

• Indentations on the inside of your cheeks or along your tongue from clenching

• A partner or family member telling you they have heard grinding at night

Why It Is Worth Treating Early

Occasional mild grinding usually is not a concern. But when it becomes a regular habit, the pressure involved, sometimes several times your normal bite force, wears down enamel faster than your mouth can repair itself. Over months and years that can mean flattened molars, loosened fillings, and jaw joint pain that spreads into your neck and shoulders. In more severe cases, a tooth that has been weakened by years of grinding can crack under everyday pressure, turning into a cracked tooth emergency that needs same-day attention. Catching bruxism early is almost always simpler and less costly than repairing the damage it leaves behind.

Treatment Options for Teeth Grinding

Treatment depends on what is driving your grinding and how much wear has already happened. We tailor the approach to you, but here is how the main options compare.

Treatment	How It Helps	Typical Timeline
Custom night guard	Absorbs grinding force while you sleep; the most common starting point	Fitted over one to two visits, worn nightly
Bite adjustment	Reshapes tooth surfaces so your bite sits more evenly	Completed in a single visit
Botox for jaw muscles	Relaxes overactive jaw muscles for patients whose grinding is very forceful	Effects typically last three to four months
Stress management	Combines dental treatment with relaxation techniques or physiotherapy for the jaw	Ongoing, alongside dental care

A custom night guard is where most patients start. It is far more comfortable and durable than anything from a pharmacy shelf, since it is built from an impression of your own teeth. If you are curious about pricing, our night guard cost guide breaks down what to expect for GTA patients.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

If you suspect you are grinding, mention it at your next cleaning or book a dedicated visit. We will check your teeth for wear patterns, examine your jaw joint for tenderness or clicking, and ask about your sleep habits, stress levels, and any headaches or jaw soreness you have noticed. In most cases we can diagnose bruxism from a clinical exam alone, without any special imaging. If we suspect sleep apnea is contributing, we may recommend a sleep study before finalizing your treatment plan, since treating the airway issue often reduces the grinding on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can teeth grinding go away on its own?

Sometimes, especially if it is tied to a temporary stressful period. But if it has been going on for months, or you are already seeing wear on your teeth, it is worth having it assessed rather than waiting it out.

Is a store-bought night guard good enough?

Pharmacy guards can help in a pinch, but they are bulky, do not fit precisely, and tend to wear out quickly. A custom-fitted guard from our office lasts longer and protects your teeth more effectively.

Can children grind their teeth too?

Yes, it is fairly common in kids, especially while their baby teeth are coming in or falling out. Most children outgrow it, but we will keep an eye on it at their regular checkups.

How do I know if my headaches are from grinding?

Grinding-related headaches usually sit near the temples and are most noticeable in the morning. If you also have jaw soreness or notice tooth wear, grinding is a likely culprit, and we can confirm it at an exam.

If you are waking up with a sore jaw or you suspect you are grinding at night, do not wait for the damage to add up. Book an appointment with Lornview Dental and we will help you find the right fix.