Bruxism: When the Daily Grind Is All About Your Teeth

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Donna Stark

If you’ve ever woken up with a sore jaw or a headache that feels like you’ve been in a midnight boxing match, you might be unknowingly dealing with a nighttime habit. It’s called bruxism, and while it may sound like a rare, complex medical term, it’s actually fairly common. Bruxism is simply the medical term for teeth grinding or clenching.

This sneaky habit can mess with your dental health and overall vibe. But don’t fret—chiropractic care could be your unexpected hero in this battle! If you’re ready to kick bruxism to the curb, we’ve got your back (and your jaw).

Signs and symptoms of bruxism

Bruxism can be difficult to notice, especially if it happens during the night, and it can be even more difficult to spot in younger children. This can be particularly problematic because children who grind their teeth often wear down their baby teeth faster than normal. As a result, the alignment of their permanent teeth may be affected when they grow in, causing long-term damage.

Whether you are concerned for yourself or a child, it's essential to catch and address bruxism early. Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that your sleep, or your child’s sleep, isn’t as restful as you think. Here are just a few of them.

• Worn-down, chipped, or cracked teeth
• Tooth Sensitivity
• Facial and jaw pain
• Tense facial or jaw muscles
• Locking or dislocation of the jaw
• Morning headaches

It’s vital to seek professional help if you're experiencing any of these symptoms because teeth clenching and grinding should never be ignored. Your teeth aren’t the only things that will be impacted. There’s a domino effect to bruxism, and it certainly isn’t fun to watch.

The domino effect of bruxism

Protecting your teeth is crucial, but it’s only part of the story. Chronic teeth grinding doesn’t just affect your smile—it can cause a range of other health issues. Here’s a look at some of the serious problems and side effects that bruxism can lead to beyond the dental damage we all know about.

• TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint)
• Gum recession and disease
• Arthritis in the temporomandibular joint
• Chronic headaches
• Sleep disturbances, insomnia
• Shoulder and neck pain
• Anxiety and depression

Clearly, bruxism is more than just a dental issue. It's a problem that can impact your overall physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s also a problem that may require more than just a visit to your local dentist.

Understanding the causes of bruxism

While it’s important to protect your teeth from damage, some dentists don’t even attempt to address the root cause of bruxism, which means that any treatment options they offer, such as a mouth guard, are akin to putting a band-aid over the problem. They’re addressing the symptom, not the cause.

"Dentists get worried about wearing down the enamel and often don't know how to correct for bruxism,” says Steven Knauf, D.C., director of compliance and chiropractic at The Joint Chiropractic. “They only know how to keep the teeth from being impacted.”

It’s important to understand what is causing you to regularly clench or grind your teeth because that’s the only way you can work on stopping the problem altogether. Here are some of the most common triggers for bruxism.

• High stress or anxiety levels
• Misaligned teeth or jaw
• Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and night terrors
• Certain medications
• Lifestyle factors (caffeine, alcohol, smoking)
• Medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy
• Family history
• Age

Because many of these causes are related to joint misalignments and tension in the body, chiropractic care may be able to help.

A unique approach to bruxism

Although dentists play an important role in protecting your teeth, chiropractors offer a unique approach to treating bruxism and TMJ pain. “Teeth grinding often frustrates people because MDs or dentists may not have many solutions, leaving patients unsure where to turn,” says Dr. Knauf. “The answer? See a chiropractor.”

Here's how chiropractic care may help with bruxism

• Ensures proper alignment of the spine and jaw joint
• Reduces nerve interference
• Eases tension and strain in the face and jaw
• Encourages muscle relaxation in the neck, upper back, and shoulders
• Corrects and improves posture

In addition to providing an adjustment, the licensed doctors of chiropractic at your local The Joint Chiropractic may create a non-invasive treatment plan that includes jaw exercises and tips for reducing stress, sleeping better, and modifying your lifestyle.

At-home treatment options

Make plans to head to your local The Joint Chiropractic for same-day care—no appointment needed! In the meantime, getting a head start on managing bruxism can make your visit even more effective. Below, you’ll find a list of treatment options to help you tackle teeth grinding. These tips and strategies can complement the personalized care you'll receive at our clinic. We’re here to help you find relief and get back to feeling your best!

• Prioritize regular exercise
• Practice jaw relaxation exercises
• Manage your schedule and time better
• Find a supportive network of family and friends
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
• Practice good sleep hygiene
• Stay hydrated
• Use a warm compress on your jaw before bed
• Massage your jaw and facial muscles
• Reduce screen time before bed

A common but serious issue

Teeth grinding is more common than you might think—affecting about five to eight percent of the population. Many don’t realize the damage they’re doing to their teeth and overall health while they snooze. It's crucial to tackle symptoms early before they lead to bigger issues.

Bruxism can be tricky, and while your dentist might be your first stop, don’t overlook chiropractic care. The chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic offer a unique, non-invasive, and drug-free approach that targets both symptoms and root causes of teeth clenching and grinding. With locations across the nation and no insurance needed, getting relief is a breeze. So, why wait? Swing by for same-day care and get back to dreaming without the grind!

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.