Surreal image representing bruxism as gears grinding in a sleeping person's jaw.

Bruxism: Why You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth (and What to Do About It)

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the hidden causes, subtle symptoms, and effective strategies to combat teeth grinding and protect your smile."

For years, the dental community has been intrigued by bruxism, a condition marked by the parafunctional grinding of teeth. It's a phenomenon that is often underdiagnosed, overdiagnosed, or even misdiagnosed. Bruxism is now understood as an oral habit involving involuntary, rhythmic, or spasmodic non-functional grinding or clenching of teeth, which can ultimately lead to occlusal trauma.

The current consensus points to a multi-factor etiology for bruxism, encompassing genetic, neuro-physiological, psycho-emotional, and pharmacological factors. Rather than viewing bruxism as a mere disorder, researchers are shifting their focus towards understanding it as a behavior.

Dentists consider tooth grinding to be a relevant issue due to its potential to cause breakage of dental restorations, tooth damage, temporal headaches, and temporomandibular disorders. The term "bruxism" originates from the Greek word βρυγμός (brygmós), signifying "gnashing of teeth." Individuals affected by bruxism are referred to as "bruxists" or "bruxers," and the act itself is termed "to brux."

Decoding the Causes and Classifications of Bruxism

Surreal image representing bruxism as gears grinding in a sleeping person's jaw.

Bruxism isn't just a simple grinding of teeth; it's a complex condition with varied causes and manifestations. Understanding these nuances is key to effective management. The classification of bruxism helps in identifying the specific type and tailoring the treatment approach.

Bruxism can be classified based on several criteria, including when it occurs, what causes it, the type of motor activity involved, and whether it's a past or present condition:

According to Occurrence:
- Awake bruxism: Grinding or clenching that occurs while you're awake.
- Sleep bruxism: Grinding or clenching that occurs during sleep.
- Combined bruxism: Experiencing both awake and sleep bruxism.
According to Etiology (Cause):
- Primary (Essential or Idiopathic): The cause is unknown.
- Secondary: Linked to diseases, medications, or drugs.
According to Motor Activity Type:
- Tonic: Sustained muscle contraction for more than 2 seconds.
- Phasic: Brief, repeated contractions.
- Combined: Alternating between tonic and phasic episodes.
According to Presence:
- Past Bruxism: Previously experienced, but not currently.
- Present Bruxism: Currently experiencing bruxism.

These classifications are not just academic; they have practical implications. For example, someone with awake bruxism might benefit from stress-management techniques, while someone with sleep bruxism might need a mouthguard.

Taking Control of Your Smile: The Future of Bruxism Management

Sleep bruxism is a parafunctional oromotor habit with a high prevalence in the general population. The understanding of bruxism has evolved significantly, now recognizing a multi-faceted etiology encompassing genetic, neuro-physiological, psycho-emotional, and pharmacological factors.

Continued research is essential to fully understand the risk factors and consequences of bruxism, particularly concerning tooth damage and pain. By staying informed and proactive, you can take control of your dental health and protect your smile from the effects of teeth grinding.

If you suspect you might be suffering from bruxism, consulting with your dentist is the first step. They can help diagnose the condition, identify potential causes, and recommend the most appropriate management strategies for your specific needs.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3126/ojn.v4i1.11312, Alternate LINK

Title: Bruxism: An Ignored Malady

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Orthodontic Journal of Nepal

Publisher: Nepal Journals Online (JOL)

Authors: Ayush Singh, Ragini Tandon, Anil Singh, Bhavna Gupta

Published: 2014-10-24

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Bruxism?

Bruxism is defined as the parafunctional grinding or clenching of teeth. It's an oral habit that is often involuntary, rhythmic, or spasmodic. This behavior can lead to occlusal trauma. This means that the grinding or clenching action can cause damage to the teeth and surrounding structures, such as the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJ).

Why is Bruxism an important issue to address?

The significance of Bruxism lies in its potential to cause several dental and health issues. Dentists view tooth grinding as a relevant issue because it can lead to the breakage of dental restorations, tooth damage, temporal headaches, and temporomandibular disorders. If left unaddressed, Bruxism can result in significant oral health problems and affect an individual's quality of life. Understanding these risks underscores the importance of recognizing the symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment.

How is Bruxism classified?

Bruxism has multiple classifications. It can be classified based on when it occurs such as Awake bruxism, Sleep bruxism, and Combined bruxism. It can also be classified by its Etiology or cause: Primary (Essential or Idiopathic) where the cause is unknown, and Secondary where it is linked to diseases, medications, or drugs. Additionally, it is classified by the type of Motor Activity: Tonic, Phasic, and Combined. Finally, it can be classified by Presence: Past Bruxism and Present Bruxism.

What are the main causes of Bruxism?

The causes of Bruxism are multi-faceted, including genetic, neuro-physiological, psycho-emotional, and pharmacological factors. These factors can interact in complex ways. For instance, high stress levels or anxiety (psycho-emotional factors) might trigger the grinding of teeth. Certain medications (pharmacological factors) or underlying neurological conditions (neuro-physiological factors) could also contribute to the onset of Bruxism. Sometimes, the cause may be unknown, which is referred to as Primary or Idiopathic Bruxism. Understanding the contributing factors is essential for developing effective treatment strategies.

What are some possible treatments for Bruxism?

Treatment for Bruxism often depends on the type and the underlying causes. If the Bruxism occurs during sleep, a mouthguard might be recommended. For those with Awake bruxism, stress-management techniques could be beneficial. Addressing the root causes is key, which could include therapy or medication if linked to psycho-emotional or pharmacological factors. The best course of action should be recommended by a dental professional.