Clenching or grinding your teeth occasionally is normal and usually doesn't cause damage, but when done regularly it can damage your teeth and cause other oral health problems. Teeth grinding can have different causes, but it is usually triggered by stress, medical conditions, or crooked or missing teeth.

Grinding often occurs during sleep, so it can be difficult for people to know if they have bruxism. Signs include jaw pain or persistent headache, and the partner can sometimes hear grinding. Your dentist may also look for symptoms such as jaw sensitivity, as well as changes or abnormalities in your teeth.

“Whether you opt for an intense sweat session or just a walk, exercising helps relieve stress, a common cause of bruxism.”

Severe bruxism can cause teeth to loosen or break and wear down teeth so much that crowns, implants, root canals, bridges, or dentures may be needed. It can also damage your jaw, cause hearing loss, and change the shape of your face.