What it is
Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, often occurring during sleep or wakefulness. It loads the jaw muscles and TMJ and can wear teeth and provoke headaches.
Care reduces triggers, protects teeth, and strengthens the jaw's support so it can tolerate daily demands.
What happens when it occurs
Autonomic arousal during sleep and daytime stress increases muscle tension, including clenching. Muscles tire and trigger points form. The TMJ and teeth become sensitive.
Common causes and risk factors
- Stress, poor sleep, and high caffeine or alcohol use
- Nasal congestion and mouth breathing
- Certain medications in some people
Who is most affected
Adults and adolescents across Australia. Shift workers often report poor sleep and muscle tension, including clenching.
Typical symptoms
- Morning jaw ache and stiffness
- Headache at the temple
- Tooth wear or sensitivity
- Clicking or fatigue with chewing
When to seek care
See your dentist for tooth wear or sensitivity. Seek medical help for sleep disorders or persistent pain.
How we diagnose
History, tooth wear, and muscle palpation, as well as a review of sleep and stress. Dental assessment guides splint decisions. Sleep medicine input is considered for snoring or apnoea.
Management
- Occlusal splint review with your dentist
- Sleep hygiene and stress routines
- Nasal breathing strategies
- Neck and scapular endurance and jaw control drills
Rehabilitation milestones
Phase 1 weeks 0–2: pain control, soft diet if needed, start splint if prescribed.
Phase 2 weeks 2–6: endurance for opening and chewing, neck and scapular strength.
Phase 3 weeks 6–12: full diet and voice load with maintenance plan.
Readiness to progress
- Morning ache reduced
- Less clenching during the day
- Teeth protected
Long-term care
- Sleep and stress routines are maintained
- Splint as directed by your dentist
- Weekly strength for neck and scapular muscles
Australia snapshot
- Common in Australian dental practice
- Women present slightly more often than men
- Splints plus behaviour change protect teeth and reduce pain
Latest insights
Protect the teeth, calm the system, and build support.
Better nights reduce jaw load more than any stretch.
