What Causes Bruxism?
Most people who have bruxism don’t realize it’s happening. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, doesn’t always come with a warning. It just shows up, and in time, it can wear down more than just your enamel. Millions of people every year have untreated bruxism. In order to understand how to treat it, it helps to first understand what causes it. If you have a sore jaw in the morning, notice or have been told your teeth are wearing down, or have been told your grinding can be heard at night, you likely have bruxism. Read on to learn more about what causes it.
What Causes Bruxism?
Bruxism can be caused by numerous factors. Here are some of the most common.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress is one of the most common causes of bruxism. When your body is under pressure, even if your mind feels calm, your jaw can carry that tension. It might show up when you're stuck in traffic, during a tight deadline at work, or as you fall asleep after a long day. Clenching can become second nature or a silent reaction to emotional strain.
Anxiety can also play a major role. People dealing with anxiety disorders often experience muscle tension, and the jaw is no exception. Over time, this leads to grinding, often during sleep, but not always.
Sleep Disorders and Irregular Patterns
Many people grind their teeth at night without ever knowing. Sleep bruxism tends to happen during lighter stages of sleep. Irregular sleep schedules, sleep apnea, and frequent awakenings may trigger the grinding reflex at night. Studies have shown a strong link between sleep disturbances and bruxism, suggesting that the body’s struggle for rest may lead to involuntary muscle activity, including clenching.
Genetics
Like many health conditions, bruxism can run in families. People whose parents or siblings grind their teeth might be more likely to do the same. That doesn’t mean they’re destined for it, but in some cases, it explains why they’ve picked up the habit without any obvious cause.
Lifestyle Habits
Daily choices matter, too. Tobacco use, caffeine, and alcohol have all been associated with a higher risk of bruxism. These substances can alter the way your brain and muscles interact, and this sometimes triggers grinding during sleep or even while you're awake.
Other habits, like chewing on pens or your nails, may condition your jaw to stay tense. Over time, that repeated tension can spill over into unconscious grinding.
Certain Medications
Some medications may also play a part. Antidepressants such as SSRIs, along with other types of medications like amphetamines or antipsychotics, have been linked to increased instances of bruxism. If you've recently started a new medication and are noticing new jaw pain or headaches, it’s worth bringing it up to your doctor to see if it is the medication causing the grinding.
What Does This Mean for Me?
There’s no single answer for what causes bruxism. For some, it’s rooted in stress. For others, it's tied to genetics, lifestyle, or an underlying health condition. But one thing is clear: ignoring it can lead to real damage. If you’re waking up with pain, noticing changes in your teeth, or hearing about it from your partner, talk to your dentist. They can help you identify the cause and ultimately treat bruxism before it causes real damage.