TMJ and Teeth Grinding
Bruxism / Teeth Clenching
Bruxism is a general term covering the behaviours of clenching the teeth, grinding the teeth or overusing the jaw muscles. Sleep bruxism and awake (daytime) bruxism have different characteristics from one another.
Medical review: Dr. Taylan Akça. Last updated: Aug. 29, 2026.
Sleep bruxism
Sleep bruxism describes the clenching and grinding movements that occur during sleep. The person is most often unaware of it; it is usually noticed through a noise heard by someone nearby, jaw-muscle fatigue in the morning or tooth wear. It is a more complex condition, linked to sleep physiology, certain medications/substances and other sleep-related factors.
Awake (daytime) bruxism
Awake bruxism is the behaviour of pressing the teeth together without being aware of it during the day, or of unnecessarily tensing the jaw muscles. Stress and anxiety can increase this behaviour in some people. Tooth grinding is less common in this type.
Symptoms
- Fatigue or pain in the jaw muscles in the morning
- A tooth-grinding noise noticed by a partner
- Wear on the chewing surfaces of the teeth
- Recurrent fractures in restorations
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tension in the temple muscles
- Pressing the teeth together without being aware of it during the day
Why does it occur?
Bruxism is not due to a single cause. Stress and anxiety can, in some people, increase awake bruxism or muscle activity. Sleep bruxism, on the other hand, can be linked to sleep physiology, certain medications/substances and other sleep-related factors. It is not correct to present bite disorders as the sole or main cause of bruxism.
What is a splint for?
Occlusal splints can help protect the tooth surfaces and restorations from excessive forces by reducing direct contact between the teeth; they can also be used for some TMD symptoms. The purpose of a splint is not always to "stop" bruxism.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I clench my teeth?
Morning muscle fatigue, wear, a noise heard by a partner or fractures in restorations can be clues; a definitive assessment is made by a clinical examination.
Does a night guard end teeth clenching?
Not always. One of the main aims is to protect the teeth and restorations. The type of bruxism and any accompanying factors are also addressed.
Does bruxism occur in children?
Yes, it can also be seen in children. In children the same treatment approach as in adults is most often not used; age, the stage of dentition and sleep-related factors are assessed.
Is botulinum toxin the standard treatment for bruxism?
In the management of bruxism and TMD the first approach is not always an injection. The indication, the level of evidence, the side effects and the person's condition should be assessed separately by the clinician.
Will the wear on my teeth come back?
Lost tooth tissue does not regenerate on its own. The cause of the wear should be controlled; restorative treatment should be planned if needed.
Treatment duration
The signs of bruxism can change over time. Periodic follow-up can be carried out with photographs, digital scans or clinical records; a one-off treatment duration is not defined.
When it may not be suitable
The purpose of a splint is not always to "stop" bruxism. In the management of bruxism and TMD the first approach is not always an injection; the indication, the level of evidence and the side effects should be assessed separately by the clinician. The same treatment approach is not used in children as in adults.