Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment (Cleveland Clinic)

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: Cleveland Clinic · Published: August 10, 2026 · Accessed: August 10, 2026

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Claims this source supports

• Bruxism is when you clench, grind or gnash your teeth, usually subconsciously, while awake or asleep.
• Symptoms can include headaches or facial pain especially in the morning, earaches, sore jaw muscles, tinnitus, pain when eating, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
• Risk factors include stress and anxiety, depression and anxiety disorders, smoking, alcohol, high caffeine intake, certain medications including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and sleep apnea.
• Untreated bruxism can lead to dental damage like tooth erosion and cracked teeth, TMJ disorder, facial pain, and sleep disorders.
• Dentists typically diagnose bruxism from a physical exam and symptoms; a sleep study (polysomnography) can provide a definitive diagnosis.