why do people grind their teeth at night

People grind their teeth at night (called sleep bruxism) mostly because of a mix of stress, sleep problems, and how their jaw and teeth are built, rather than one single cause.

Quick Scoop

• Night grinding is usually unconscious and happens in brief bursts during lighter stages of sleep.

• Common triggers include stress or anxiety, irregular sleep or sleep apnea, certain medications, and bite/jaw alignment issues.

• Many people don’t know they grind until a partner hears it or a dentist sees tooth wear.

• A custom night guard and managing stress or sleep issues are standard ways to protect teeth and reduce symptoms.

What is night-time teeth grinding?

Sleep bruxism is involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth that usually happens during sleep, often multiple times a night during “micro‑arousals” when the brain briefly becomes more active. It can generate strong jaw forces that wear down enamel, cause jaw pain, and even crack teeth over time.

Main reasons people grind at night

1. Stress, anxiety, and mood

• High stress and anxiety are among the strongest risk factors; clenching in the day can “carry over” into sleep.

• Night grinding is also linked with tension, hyperactivity, and sometimes depression, especially when certain antidepressant medicines are involved.

2. Sleep and breathing issues

• Sleep bruxism often appears around brief awakenings in the sleep cycle and is more common in people with disturbed or fragmented sleep.

• It is associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where breathing repeatedly stops and starts, and the brain “kicks” the body awake.

3. Bite alignment and jaw mechanics

• An abnormal bite, where upper and lower teeth don’t meet well, or certain jaw positions can contribute.

• Changes from new dental work or jaw injury can temporarily alter how teeth meet and may trigger grinding in some people.

4. Habits, substances, and medications

• Tobacco, caffeine, alcohol, and some illicit drugs increase the likelihood of grinding at night.

• Some antidepressants and other medications list bruxism as a side effect.

5. Genetics and family patterns

• Sleep bruxism can run in families; about half of people who grind at night have a close relative who does too.

How do you know it’s happening?

Common signs and clues include:

• Morning jaw pain, tightness, or fatigue
• Dull headache around the temples on waking
• Chipped, flattened, or worn‑down teeth, or broken fillings
• Tooth sensitivity to hot/cold
• Clicking or popping in the jaw joints
• A partner hearing grinding noises at night

Because episodes come and go over the years, older tooth wear doesn’t always mean you are grinding right now.

What can you do about it?

If you suspect night grinding, it’s worth seeing a dentist or doctor, especially if you have jaw pain, broken teeth, or very loud grinding. Typical approaches include:

1. Night guards or splints
   • Custom hard‑plastic guards worn over the upper or lower teeth to prevent wear and reduce jaw strain.
2. Stress and habit management
   • Relaxation techniques, therapy for anxiety, and learning to keep teeth apart during the day.
3. Checking for sleep apnea
   • If you snore loudly, stop breathing at night, or wake unrefreshed, a sleep study may be advised.
4. Dental and medical review
   • Adjusting recent dental work, treating tooth damage, or reviewing medications that may provoke bruxism.

In early 2026, teeth grinding is still a common topic in sleep and dental health communities, with many people discussing night guards, stress, and sleep apnea on forums as they look for practical fixes.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.