Mouth and jaw guide
5 min readTeeth grinding
Teeth grinding or clenching can be linked with tooth wear, sensitivity, jaw pain and headaches. A dentist can assess signs and discuss options.
Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, can happen during the day or during sleep. Some people notice jaw ache, headaches, tooth wear, sensitivity or a partner hearing grinding at night.
A mouthguard may protect teeth in some cases, but it does not diagnose or remove every cause of grinding. A dentist can assess tooth wear, bite, jaw symptoms and risk factors.
At a glance
Common signs
Grinding or clenching
- Jaw, face or ear pain can be linked with grinding.
- Teeth may become worn, chipped or sensitive.
- A partner may notice grinding during sleep.
Dental review
Protect teeth
- See a dentist if grinding is linked with tooth damage or sensitivity.
- Discuss jaw pain, headaches, stress, sleep and habits.
- A dentist can advise whether a protective appliance is appropriate.
Urgent symptoms
Prompt help
- Urgent dental advice is needed for severe tooth pain, broken teeth or swelling.
- Jaw locking or inability to open or close the mouth needs prompt assessment.
- Use emergency medical care for major jaw injury or severe swelling.
Contents
Grinding can affect teeth and jaw muscles
Grinding and clenching can overload teeth, muscles and jaw joints. Symptoms can overlap with other dental or jaw problems, so assessment is useful when symptoms persist.
Possible causes or contributing factors
- Stress, anxiety, concentration habits or sleep-related grinding.
- Alcohol, smoking or stimulant use in some people.
- Jaw muscle tension or bite-related factors.
- Medication or health factors in some cases.
What you can do now
- Notice daytime clenching and try to rest the jaw when aware of it.
- Avoid chewing pens, nails or hard objects.
- Book a dental review if teeth feel sensitive, worn or painful.
What not to do
- Do not buy or use appliances that cause pain or change your bite without advice.
- Do not ignore cracked, broken or sensitive teeth.
- Do not assume jaw pain is only from grinding.
When to contact a dentist
- You grind and have tooth damage or sensitive teeth.
- You have jaw, face or ear pain.
- A partner notices sleep grinding or you are worried about a child grinding.
When urgent dental care is needed
- Grinding is linked with severe tooth pain or a broken tooth.
- There is swelling, fever or pain on biting.
- Jaw locking or major limitation develops.
When to call 999 or go to A&E
What a dentist or relevant professional may assess or do
- Assess tooth wear, cracks, sensitivity, jaw muscles and bite.
- Discuss habit awareness, protective appliances or referral where appropriate.
- Check for dental damage that needs treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Can a mouthguard stop grinding?
A dental appliance may protect teeth in some cases, but it does not remove every cause of grinding. A dentist can advise what is suitable.
Can grinding cause tooth sensitivity?
Grinding can contribute to tooth wear, cracks or sensitivity, but other causes are possible.
When should I see a dentist?
See a dentist if grinding is linked with tooth damage, sensitivity, jaw pain, face pain, ear pain or sleep grinding concerns.
Need grinding or jaw guidance?
Browse Odenta mouth and jaw guidance and arrange dental advice if grinding is linked with pain, sensitivity or tooth wear.
Browse mouth and jaw guidesOfficial sources
These links open external official guidance pages for further help.
Content reviewed by Dr Majid Saeed · 13 July 2026
References used for this guide are listed above.
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