What is bruxism and what are its symptoms?
Bruxism is the unconscious clenching or grinding of teeth, which most often occurs during sleep (nocturnal bruxism), but can also occur during the day (diurnal bruxism). It is estimated that this problem affects up to 20% of the world’s population, and the number of cases is constantly growing, which classifies bruxism as a disease of civilization.
In many people, bruxism does not show any clear symptoms in its early stages, which makes early diagnosis difficult. In advanced cases, it leads to serious health consequences: enamel abrasion, damage to the temporomandibular joints, chronic headaches, and changes in the appearance of the lower part of the face.
Causes of bruxism – what causes teeth grinding?
Scientists are still investigating the exact mechanisms behind bruxism, but they point to three main groups of risk factors.
The most common cause is psychological factors, including chronic stress and emotional tension. Anxiety disorders and depression lead to overproduction of cortisol (the stress hormone), which directly affects the tension of the jaw muscles. Sleep problems and insomnia further exacerbate teeth grinding at night.
Physiological factors include malocclusion and incorrect jaw alignment, which mechanically force abnormal muscle tension. Oral diseases (tooth decay, periodontitis), degeneration of the temporomandibular joints, and mineral deficiencies (especially magnesium) also increase the risk of developing bruxism.
The third category is environmental and behavioral factors. Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine abuse stimulate the nervous system and increase teeth clenching. Poor diet and gastroesophageal reflux can cause discomfort leading to parafunction. Some medications, especially SSRI antidepressants, have bruxism as a side effect. An intense lifestyle without relaxation techniques completes the circle of risk factors.
Bruxism most often develops in people between the ages of 18 and 45, although it also occurs in children, especially during periods of intense tooth development or school stress.




