What Is Bruxism
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth. It can occur during sleep, while awake, or both. Most people who grind their teeth are unaware they are doing it — the habit often goes unnoticed until a dentist identifies the signs during a routine check-up, or a sleep partner reports the sound.
While occasional teeth grinding is common and unlikely to cause lasting harm, chronic bruxism can place significant and repeated stress on the teeth, jaw muscles, and jaw joint — leading to damage that accumulates over time.
Types of Bruxism
There are two main types of bruxism, distinguished by when they occur.
Sleep Bruxism
Sleep bruxism occurs during sleep and is classified as a sleep-related movement disorder. Because it happens unconsciously, many people are unaware of it until symptoms appear or someone else notices the sound. Sleep bruxism tends to cause more damage than awake bruxism due to the higher forces generated during sleep, when the body's normal feedback mechanisms are not active.
Awake Bruxism
Awake bruxism involves clenching the teeth or jaw during waking hours, usually in response to stress, concentration, or anxiety. It more commonly involves clenching than grinding. Many people develop awareness of the habit once it is brought to their attention, which can help with management.
What Causes Bruxism
Bruxism is considered to have multiple contributing factors rather than a single cause. The most commonly identified include:
- Stress, anxiety, and psychological tension — one of the strongest associations with both sleep and awake bruxism
- Sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnoea
- Certain medications, including some antidepressants (SSRIs)
- Caffeine and alcohol consumption, particularly in the evening
- Malocclusion — a misaligned bite that places uneven pressure on the teeth
- Neurological factors — bruxism is more common in individuals with certain conditions such as Parkinson's disease or ADHD
In children, bruxism is relatively common and often resolves without intervention as the jaw develops. In adults, it tends to be more persistent.
Symptoms and Signs to Watch For
Bruxism can present with a range of symptoms, some dental and some physical. Common signs include:
- Worn, flattened, or chipped tooth surfaces
- Increased tooth sensitivity, particularly to temperature
- Jaw pain, stiffness, or soreness — especially on waking
- Headaches, particularly in the temples, upon waking
- Facial muscle fatigue or pain
- Earache not caused by an ear problem
- Disrupted sleep
- Audible grinding sounds during sleep, reported by a partner
A dentist can often identify bruxism before the patient notices symptoms, by spotting characteristic wear patterns on the teeth during a routine examination.
Why Bruxism Should Not Be Left Untreated
The forces generated during grinding can be considerably greater than those produced during normal chewing. Over time, untreated bruxism can lead to:
- Significant and irreversible enamel loss
- Cracked, fractured, or broken teeth
- Damage to existing dental restorations — fillings, crowns, and veneers
- Receding gums and increased risk of tooth sensitivity
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder — pain and dysfunction of the jaw joint
- Chronic headaches and facial pain
- In severe cases, tooth loss
Because much of the damage is cumulative and gradual, patients who do not attend regular dental check-ups may not notice the extent of the harm until significant tooth structure has been lost.
How Bruxism Is Treated
There is no single cure for bruxism, but its effects can be effectively managed and further damage prevented. Treatment is tailored to the individual depending on the severity of the condition and its likely cause.
Nightguard or Occlusal Splint
The most common first-line treatment is a custom-made nightguard — also called an occlusal splint — worn over the teeth during sleep. It does not stop grinding but absorbs and redistributes the forces, protecting the teeth and reducing strain on the jaw joint and muscles. At Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers, nightguards are fitted by our general dentists or Specialist Prosthodontists, who will assess the extent of wear and recommend the most appropriate appliance for your needs.
Stress and Behavioural Management
Where stress or anxiety is a contributing factor, addressing the underlying cause is an important part of management. This may include relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioural therapy, or other lifestyle changes recommended alongside dental treatment.
Dental Restoration
Where bruxism has already caused significant damage to the teeth, restorative treatment may be necessary to rebuild worn or fractured tooth surfaces. Depending on the extent of damage, this may involve composite bonding, crowns, or in more complex cases, full mouth rehabilitation.
Orthodontic Treatment
If a misaligned bite is contributing to bruxism, orthodontic treatment may be recommended to address the underlying occlusal imbalance.
Management of Associated Conditions
Where bruxism is linked to a sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea, treating the sleep disorder may significantly reduce grinding. This often involves referral to a sleep specialist alongside dental management.
If you are experiencing jaw pain, worn teeth, or morning headaches, the team at Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers can assess whether bruxism may be the cause. Book an appointment across any of our four Dubai locations, or call 04 394 7777.
Can Bruxism Be Prevented
Complete prevention of bruxism is not always possible, particularly where there is a strong psychological or neurological component. However, the following measures can reduce severity and protect the teeth:
- Wear a custom nightguard if prescribed — consistency is key
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, particularly in the hours before sleep
- Practise stress management techniques — yoga, breathing exercises, or regular physical activity
- Be aware of daytime clenching and consciously relax the jaw when noticed
- Attend regular dental check-ups so any signs of wear are caught early
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Bruxism is widespread — most people will experience some degree of teeth grinding or clenching at some point in their lives. Current research suggests sleep bruxism affects between 8% and 21% of adults globally, with awake bruxism potentially even more prevalent. The wide range reflects differences in diagnostic methods rather than uncertainty about whether the condition is common — it is.
Sleep bruxism occurs during sleep and tends to involve both grinding and clenching, often producing audible sounds. Awake bruxism more commonly involves jaw clenching during the day, often triggered by stress or concentration. A person can have one type, the other, or both — and many people are unaware of either until a dentist identifies the signs.
There is no single cause. Stress and anxiety are among the most consistently identified contributors, particularly for awake bruxism. Sleep disorders, certain medications including some antidepressants, caffeine and alcohol use, and a misaligned bite are also recognised factors. In some cases no clear cause is found. Your dentist can help assess what may be driving the condition in your specific case.
Not directly, but severe long-term untreated bruxism can cause enough cumulative damage — worn enamel, cracked teeth, gum recession, and jaw joint strain — that teeth become structurally compromised over time. Early detection and management significantly reduce this risk.
A dentist can identify bruxism by examining the teeth for characteristic wear patterns and assessing the jaw muscles and joint for signs of strain. In most cases a thorough clinical examination is sufficient. If a sleep disorder is suspected, your dentist may recommend a referral for a sleep study.
No — a nightguard does not stop grinding, but it protects the teeth from the damage it causes by absorbing and redistributing the forces generated during sleep. Addressing contributing factors such as stress, sleep quality, and lifestyle habits alongside wearing the guard generally gives the best long-term outcome.
Yes. Bruxism is relatively common in children, particularly during periods of new tooth eruption. It often resolves on its own as the adult teeth come through. If grinding is persistent or your child is waking with jaw pain or headaches, it is worth raising with their dentist.
Yes. Bruxism is assessed and managed across all four of our Dubai locations — Jumeirah, Marina Walk, The Springs Souk, and Uptown Mirdif. Care may be provided by a general dentist or a Specialist Prosthodontist depending on the severity of wear and the treatment required. Call 04 394 7777 to book an appointment.
For most patients, a general dentist is the right starting point. They will assess tooth wear, evaluate the jaw joint and muscles, and recommend a custom nightguard if needed. If significant damage has occurred and restorative work is required, a Specialist Prosthodontist may be involved. Call 04 394 7777 and our team will guide you to the right clinician.
Coverage depends on your specific policy and the type of treatment required. Nightguards and restorative work associated with bruxism may be covered under dental benefits, though pre-approval is typically required. At Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers, we accept most major insurance cards for direct billing and handle all pre-approvals and paperwork on your behalf. Visit our Insurance & Payment Options page for full details.
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- Zielinski G, Pajak A, Wojcicki M. "Global Prevalence of Sleep Bruxism and Awake Bruxism in Pediatric and Adult Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Journal of Clinical Medicine, vol. 13, no. 14, 2024, p. 4259. mdpi.com
- American Dental Association. "Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)." MouthHealthy, 2024. mouthhealthy.org
- Klasser GD, Rei N, Lavigne GJ. "Sleep Bruxism Etiology: The Evolution of a Changing Paradigm." Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, vol. 81, 2015, f2. cda-adc.ca