Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Signs, Causes and Treatment
Oct 13, 2026
Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, often during sleep and often without realizing it. Over time, teeth grinding can wear down enamel, crack teeth, cause jaw pain, and trigger headaches. The good news is that it is very treatable, and the earlier it is caught, the more of your teeth you can protect.
At BH Dental NY, Dr. Leslie Azran and the team help patients at our offices in Harlem and Brooklyn identify teeth grinding early and repair the damage it causes.
Bruxism is the involuntary clenching, gnashing, or grinding of the teeth. It can happen while you are awake (awake bruxism), often during moments of concentration or stress, or while you sleep (sleep bruxism). Many people only find out they grind their teeth when a partner hears it or when their dentist spots the wear.
| Cause | How It Contributes |
|---|---|
| Stress and anxiety | Tension often shows up as clenching, both day and night |
| Sleep disorders | Bruxism is linked to conditions such as sleep apnea |
| Bite or alignment problems | Misaligned or missing teeth can affect how the jaw closes |
| Caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco | These can increase the likelihood of grinding |
| Certain medications | Some medications can have grinding as a side effect |
| Habit | Some people clench out of habit while concentrating |
Often, more than one factor is involved, and the exact cause is not always clear.
Grinding puts far more force on your teeth than normal chewing. Over time, it can lead to:
Your dentist can often spot bruxism during a routine exam by checking for worn or chipped teeth, tenderness in the jaw muscles, and changes in your bite. They will also ask about your sleep, stress levels, headaches, and habits, and may use X-rays to evaluate damage.
Many children grind their teeth, and most outgrow it. If your child grinds often, complains of jaw or ear pain, or you notice worn teeth, mention it at their next dental visit.
BH Dental NY welcomes patients at our office in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Harlem and at our Brooklyn office on Atlantic Avenue. Our team can check your teeth for signs of grinding and recommend the best way to protect them.
Common causes include stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, bite problems, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications. Often several factors combine.
Common clues are morning jaw soreness, headaches, worn or chipped teeth, and a partner hearing grinding. A dentist can confirm by examining your teeth and jaw.
Yes, over time. It can wear down enamel, crack teeth, damage dental work, and cause jaw pain and headaches.
A custom nightguard protects your teeth, and reducing stress, caffeine, and alcohol can help. Treating bite or sleep issues may also reduce grinding.
Yes. Clenching and grinding strain the jaw and facial muscles, which can cause tension headaches, often in the morning.
If grinding is causing wear, sensitivity, or pain, a nightguard is often recommended to protect your teeth. Your dentist can advise based on your exam.
Grinding is usually managed rather than cured, since the underlying causes vary. With a nightguard and lifestyle changes, damage can be prevented and symptoms reduced.
Yes. Depending on the damage, options include bonding, crowns, veneers, and in severe cases a full restorative plan.
If you suspect you grind your teeth, do not wait for lasting damage. The team at BH Dental NY can examine your teeth and build a plan to protect them. Book your appointment online today at our Harlem or Brooklyn office.