Bruxism

Overview

Bruxism (BRUK-siz-um) means grinding or clenching your teeth, a behavior that can occur when you're awake or asleep. It doesn't always cause problems, but if it does, it's considered a disorder. Problems can include sensitive, worn or broken teeth, headache, jaw pain, or other discomfort.

Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. People who clench or grind their teeth (brux) during sleep are more likely to have other sleep disorders, such as snoring and pauses in breathing (sleep apnea).

Doctors don't completely understand what causes bruxism. People may grind their teeth in response to stress or anxiety. In children, bruxism may also relate to allergy problems or pain from an earache or teething. A customized mouth guard can help prevent damage to teeth, but it will not stop bruxism.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for bruxism

• Expertise and experience. At Mayo Clinic, you'll benefit from the expertise and experience of specialists in dentistry, orthodontics, sleep disorders, psychiatry and psychology, and other areas, depending on your needs.
• Sleep disorders centers. Specialists in neurology, psychiatry and psychology, pediatrics, and pulmonary medicine treat adults and children with sleep disorders, including sleep-related bruxism. Mayo Clinic options include the Sleep Disorders Center in Arizona, the Sleep Disorders Center in Florida and the Center for Sleep Medicine in Minnesota.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic
What Sets Mayo Clinic Apart

Read more about bruxism.