Dental emergency? Here’s what to do and who to call
Dentist Disaster

Habits & everyday niggles

Teeth grinding (bruxism)

Routine4 treatment options

Grinding or clenching - often at night - can wear teeth, crack fillings and cause jaw pain and headaches. Causes, self-help and night guards.

How urgent is it? Routine

Not an emergency. See a dentist if you have tooth damage, sensitivity or pain in your jaw, face or ear, or your partner says you grind at night. See a GP for help with stress, anxiety, smoking or alcohol.

What it is

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching, known as bruxism, can happen during the day or at night, and many people only find out when a partner hears it or a dentist spots the wear. The NHS says it is often linked to stress and anxiety.

Over time grinding can wear teeth down, break teeth and fillings, and make teeth sensitive. It can also overwork the jaw muscles and joint, causing jaw, face or ear pain, headaches and disturbed sleep. Problems with the jaw joint are known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

Treatment is not always needed. When it is, the aim is to protect the teeth - usually with a custom-made night guard or splint from a dentist - and to tackle the causes, such as stress, poor sleep, alcohol, caffeine or smoking.

Signs and causes

Common signs

  • A painful jaw, face or ear, particularly on waking
  • Headaches, often in the morning
  • Worn, flattened, chipped or broken teeth
  • Sensitive teeth or fillings that keep breaking
  • Clicking or stiffness in the jaw
  • A partner noticing grinding noises at night

Usual causes

  • Stress and anxiety - the most common cause
  • Sleep problems such as snoring and sleep apnoea
  • Some medicines for sleep problems, depression or anxiety
  • Smoking
  • Drinking a lot of alcohol or caffeine

Ways to fix it

The options a dentist may discuss with you, and when each one tends to be used. Which one suits you depends on an examination.

  1. Night guards and splints

    The main dental treatment: a custom-made guard or splint worn at night to protect the teeth.

    Sometimes on the NHSPreventive

  2. Dental bonding

    Rebuilding teeth that have become worn, if enough tooth remains.

    Sometimes on the NHSCosmetic

  3. Fillings

    Repairing broken fillings or small areas of damage.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  4. Crowns

    Protecting teeth that have been badly worn or cracked by grinding.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

What you can do now

  • Find ways to relax, such as breathing exercises, music or regular exercise
  • Improve your sleep routine: regular bedtimes, winding down, and a dark, quiet bedroom
  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for jaw pain if needed
  • Hold an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel on a painful jaw for 20 to 30 minutes
  • Avoid chewing gum and hard foods when your jaw or teeth are sore

Preventing it

  • Cut down on alcohol and caffeine
  • Do not smoke
  • Keep up regular dental check-ups so wear is spotted early

Common questions

Do shop-bought mouthguards help with grinding?

The NHS describes night guards made by a dentist to fit precisely over your teeth. Ask your dentist whether a custom guard is right for you rather than relying on a generic one.

Can grinding cause headaches?

Yes. Grinding and clenching can overwork the jaw muscles and are linked to headaches, especially in the morning, as well as jaw and ear pain.

My child grinds their teeth. Should I worry?

The NHS suggests seeing a dentist if you are worried about your child grinding their teeth.

Sources we used

Checked September 2026. Guidance changes, so always follow the advice of your own dental team. About our sources.