What Causes Teeth Grinding During Sleep?
10.02.2026

Sleep bruxism, which is extremely important for both dental and oral health, can cause severe damage to the teeth and even lead to fractures as a result of intense grinding.

Sleep teeth grinding, scientifically known as bruxism, is a common health issue seen in society today. This condition usually occurs during sleep when the individual involuntarily clenches or grinds their teeth. Sleep bruxism, which is highly significant for both dental and oral health, can cause serious damage and fractures due to the forceful grinding of the teeth. In most cases, the patient is aware of the condition, even though it occurs involuntarily. There are many contributing factors to sleep bruxism, both dental and psychological.

What Are the Symptoms of Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding generally occurs during sleep and is often unnoticed by the patient. Due to involuntary actions during sleep, teeth grinding takes place without the individual’s awareness. Based on patient complaints and research conducted by the Bruxism Association, the most commonly observed symptoms are headaches and temporomandibular joint disorders. According to the Bruxism Association, patients who experience sleep bruxism often suffer from severe headaches. The most common symptoms observed in patients with teeth grinding are listed below.

  1. Tooth sensitivity caused by enamel wear
  2. Jaw pain and tightness in the jaw muscles due to teeth grinding
  3. Severe headaches starting from the temples
  4. Damage such as tooth fractures or loosening
  5. Gum recession and inflammation of the gums

What Are the Negative Effects of Sleep Teeth Grinding on Oral Health?

Research has shown that sleep teeth grinding has many negative effects on oral health. Since many patients experience teeth grinding during sleep, they may have difficulty recognizing the damage caused to their teeth. Strong and persistent grinding during sleep can lead to tooth fractures or loosening.

This condition negatively affects oral, dental, and gum health. It can cause cracks or fractures in dental bridges and implants. Additionally, enamel wear and increased gum sensitivity may result in tooth sensitivity. It has also been observed that teeth grinding causes damage to the jaw muscles and leads to facial pain.

Causes of Sleep Teeth Grinding

There are multiple causes of sleep teeth grinding. Common causes include sleep disorders, stress, negative living conditions, alcohol and caffeine consumption, medication use, sleep apnea, and snoring. If sleep-related conditions such as sleep apnea, sleep talking, and snoring are not treated, they may lead to sleep bruxism.

Additionally, emotional distress, life challenges, stress, anger, and other psychological conditions have been observed to contribute to teeth grinding. For this reason, relaxation methods such as listening to calming music, taking peaceful walks, and bathing with warm water are recommended for individuals experiencing bruxism. Another cause of sleep teeth grinding is lifestyle factors such as alcohol and nicotine consumption. Excessive alcohol intake and high levels of caffeine in the body may trigger teeth grinding. Furthermore, certain medications and treatment methods used by the patient may also contribute to this condition.

Treatment of Sleep Teeth Grinding

Individuals experiencing sleep teeth grinding should consult a qualified dentist. Specialists recommend the most suitable treatment methods based on the patient’s condition. Initially, reducing stress, relaxing, and limiting alcohol and similar substances are essential steps. One of the most commonly used treatment methods involves the use of dental splints or occlusal devices placed over the teeth to help control jaw and muscle movements.

These devices, commonly known as night guards, are custom-made by dentists and prescribed for use. Another frequently used method is mandibular advancement devices. These devices are worn on the jaw and help move the lower jaw forward, thereby reducing or eliminating teeth grinding during sleep.

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Tülay AKKOL

Chief Dentist

Tülay AKKOL

Chief Dentist and Tülay Akkol Dental founder Tülay Akkol shares valuable insights on dental health and care, offering practical tips for everyday life. Her articles also highlight the latest innovations and developments in dentistry, helping readers stay informed about the industry's advancements.

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