Teeth Grinding (Bruxism), NHS

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: NHS (National Health Service, UK) · Published: August 10, 2026 · Accessed: August 10, 2026

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Claims this source supports

• Teeth grinding is often linked to stress and anxiety, sleep problems like snoring and sleep apnoea, taking medicines for sleep problems, depression or anxiety, smoking, and drinking lots of alcohol or caffeine.
• Symptoms include a painful jaw (which can lead to temporomandibular disorder, TMD), worn-down or broken teeth, headaches, earache, and disturbed sleep.
• See a dentist if you grind your teeth and have tooth damage or sensitive teeth, pain in your jaw, face or ear, or if your partner says you grind in your sleep.
• A dentist may recommend a mouth guard or mouth splint worn at night, made by a dentist to fit precisely over your upper or lower teeth.
• Self-help includes relaxation, consistent sleep habits, painkillers and ice packs for jaw pain, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding smoking, excess alcohol or caffeine, and chewing gum.