Teeth Grinding: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Teeth Grinding?
A dentist is usually the main doctor for teeth grinding, also called bruxism. A dentist can spot the signs of teeth grinding and recommend a mouth guard. A primary care doctor can help with causes such as stress, anxiety, or sleep problems. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is when a person grinds, clenches, or gnashes their teeth. It can happen while awake or asleep. Grinding while awake is more common, but grinding during sleep has been studied more.
Many people do not know they do it. Children as well as adults can have it. Many cases are mild and may not need treatment.
Symptoms
Common signs of teeth grinding include:
- Flattened, chipped, cracked, or loose teeth.
- Tooth pain, or teeth that are sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet things.
- Sore, tight, or tired jaw muscles, often worse in the morning.
- A painful jaw, which can lead to a jaw joint problem called temporomandibular disorder, or TMD.
- Headaches, facial pain, or earache.
- Disturbed sleep.
Grinding can be noisy enough at night to bother a sleeping partner. Severe grinding can damage teeth, break teeth, and cause receding gums, which means the gums pull back from the teeth.
Causes and who gets it
It is not always clear why people grind their teeth. Stress and anxiety are the most common cause. Other things linked to teeth grinding include:
- Sleep problems such as snoring and sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep.
- Certain medicines used to treat depression, seizures, or ADHD.
- Smoking.
- Drinking alcohol or caffeine.
- A person's genes.
Children and adults can both have teeth grinding.
How doctors diagnose it
A dentist often spots teeth grinding during a regular dental exam. This matters because many people do not know they grind their teeth, especially during sleep. The dentist asks about your medical history and does a physical exam.
A sleep study, which records what happens in your body while you sleep, may also be used. An exam can also check for other problems that cause similar jaw or ear pain, such as dental problems, ear infections, or jaw joint problems.
Treatment
Treatment is not always needed. When it is, a dentist may recommend a mouth guard or mouth splint. It is worn at night and protects the teeth from damage. A splint helps protect the teeth, but some people find that pain returns when they stop using it, and it may work less well over time.
Managing stress can also help. Options include behavior changes, yoga or meditation, and counseling. These self-care steps may also help:
- Put ice or damp heat on sore jaw muscles.
- Avoid hard foods, and do not chew gum.
- Relax your face and jaw muscles during the day.
Botox injections into the jaw muscles have shown some success in controlling clenching and grinding. Methods to stop nighttime clenching directly have not been well studied. Dental treatment is another option to talk about with your dentist.
When to see a doctor
See a dentist if you grind your teeth and have tooth damage, sensitive teeth, or pain in your jaw, face, or ear. See a dentist if a partner says you grind your teeth in your sleep, or if you are worried about your child grinding their teeth.
Contact your dentist right away if you are having trouble eating or opening your mouth. See your dentist for a full check if self-care does not help within several weeks. See a doctor for help with causes such as stress, anxiety, smoking, or drinking too much.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can look at causes such as stress, anxiety, or sleep problems and can refer you to a dentist.
Common questions
What causes teeth grinding?
Stress and anxiety are the most common cause of teeth grinding. Sleep problems, some medicines, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine are also linked to it.
Is teeth grinding dangerous?
No, bruxism is not a dangerous disorder. However, it can cause permanent damage to the teeth and uncomfortable jaw pain, headaches, or ear pain.
How can I stop grinding my teeth at night?
A mouth guard or splint made by a dentist is often used to protect the teeth at night. Reducing daily stress and learning relaxation techniques may also help.
Can children grind their teeth?
Yes, children as well as adults can grind their teeth. See a dentist if you are worried about your child grinding their teeth.
Sources
- NHS - Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- MedlinePlus - Bruxism
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - Bruxism
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
