Bruxism is repeated clenching of the jaw or grinding of the teeth, either during sleep or while awake. Many people do it without knowing, and it does not always cause problems, but it can lead to jaw ache, morning headaches, worn teeth and tight jaw muscles. Dentists look after the effect on the teeth, while the jaw muscle pain often responds to simple self-care and exercises.
Also known as teeth grinding, jaw clenching, sleep bruxism, awake bruxism
Symptoms
- Aching or tight jaw muscles, often worse on waking
- A dull headache at the temples in the morning
- Worn, chipped or sensitive teeth
- Jaw clicking, or difficulty opening the mouth wide
- Earache or face pain with no ear problem found
- A partner hearing grinding noises at night
Causes and risk factors
- Stress and anxiety, particularly for daytime clenching
- Sleep problems, including snoring and sleep apnoea
- Caffeine, alcohol and smoking
- Some medicines, including certain antidepressants
- Concentration: many people clench while working, driving or exercising
- It can run in families
What the evidence says helps
- An international expert group describes bruxism as a muscle behaviour, not a disorder in its own right. In otherwise healthy people it only needs managing if it is causing harm, such as pain or tooth wear.1
- No treatment reliably stops sleep bruxism. A systematic review found too little evidence to recommend a standard approach, apart from mouth guards or splints fitted by a dentist.3
- People with higher stress levels are more likely to have bruxism, although the quality of this evidence is low.4
- For jaw muscle and joint pain, a review of trials found that jaw exercises and manual therapy may reduce pain and improve mouth opening, although the studies were small and of mixed quality.5
- Awareness training for daytime clenching is widely advised, but the research behind behavioural approaches is limited.3
Things you can try at home
- Notice daytime clenching: set a phone reminder to check your jaw every hour or so
- Practise the resting position: lips together, teeth apart, tongue resting lightly on the roof of the mouth
- Avoid chewing gum, pens and fingernails
- Use warmth and gentle self-massage over the cheek and temple muscles
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol in the evening, and keep a wind-down routine before bed
- See your dentist regularly, and mention grinding if you have started a new medicine
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- Jaw pain with chest pain, arm pain, breathlessness or sweating: call 999
- A jaw that is locked open or closed: get urgent dental or medical help
- Swelling of the face, a fever or severe toothache: see a dentist urgently or call NHS 111
- A new headache over the age of 50 with scalp tenderness or jaw pain when chewing: see a GP the same day
- You cannot bite your teeth together properly after an injury: go to A&E
How Apollo can help
We assess the jaw joints, the chewing muscles and the neck, which often tighten together. Treatment may include hands-on work for the jaw and neck muscles, exercises to improve jaw movement and relaxation, and help spotting the situations where you clench. We work alongside your dentist: they protect the teeth, and we help with the muscle pain and tension. If we find signs of a dental or medical problem, we will advise you to see your dentist or GP.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a mouth guard for teeth grinding?
A mouth guard or splint fitted by a dentist protects the teeth from wear and may ease the load on the jaw muscles. It does not cure grinding. Your dentist can advise whether you need one.
Can stress cause teeth grinding?
Stress and anxiety are linked to bruxism, especially clenching during the day. Research finds the two often go together, although it cannot prove that one causes the other. Many people notice their jaw is tighter during busy or worrying periods.
Can an osteopath help with jaw clenching?
An osteopath can help with the muscle pain, stiffness and headaches that come with clenching, using hands-on treatment, exercises and advice. They cannot stop the grinding itself or repair tooth wear, which is why seeing a dentist as well is sensible.
References
- Lobbezoo F, et al. (2018). International consensus on the assessment of bruxism: Report of a work in progress. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation 45:837-844. View source
- Manfredini D, Winocur E, Guarda-Nardini L, Paesani D, Lobbezoo F (2013). Epidemiology of Bruxism in Adults: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Journal of Orofacial Pain 27:99-110. View source
- Manfredini D, Ahlberg J, Winocur E, Lobbezoo F (2015). Management of sleep bruxism in adults: a qualitative systematic literature review. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation 42:862-874. View source
- Chemelo VDS, et al. (2020). Is There Association Between Stress and Bruxism? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Neurology 11. View source
- Armijo-Olivo S, Pitance L, Singh V, Neto F, Thie N, Michelotti A (2016). Effectiveness of Manual Therapy and Therapeutic Exercise for Temporomandibular Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Physical Therapy 96:9-25. View source
- NHS. Teeth grinding (bruxism). NHS website, accessed November 2026. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
