Bruxism and stress – how anxiety can affect your teeth

Bruxism is a common condition that affects more people than you might think. In fact, millions experience it.

Simply put, bruxism is the act of grinding or clenching your teeth. While it might seem like something we all do from time to time, persistent teeth grinding can cause significant damage to your teeth, jaw, and overall health.

According to Dr Anni Seaborne, Head of General Dentistry at Bupa Dental Care, UK, bruxism often happens unconsciously, with many people grinding or clenching their teeth while they sleep.

“It can affect anyone,” she says. “Because it tends to happen subconsciously, you may only become aware of it when symptoms start to show.”

Dr Anni Seaborne

When it comes to understanding the causes of long-term teeth grinding, there’s one factor that’s particularly important to consider – stress and anxiety. Both can contribute to bruxism, which may be a physical response to the pressures we experience in everyday life, and is increasingly recognised as a common issue in today’s society.

Seaborne emphasises that stress and anxiety are among the most significant contributors to teeth grinding.

“While stress affects everyone differently, it can sometimes manifest physically through habits – such as clenching or grinding your teeth, particularly during sleep,” she says. “Many people may not realise they’re doing it until symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, or tooth wear start to appear.

“Even those who seem calm and collected on the outside might be more likely to grind their teeth. The thinking is that when stress isn’t shown outwardly, it can sometimes find another way to surface, such as through physical habits like bruxism.”

Bruxism is becoming increasingly common, with a noticeable rise in cases during the pandemic. This may have been linked to the additional stress and anxiety many people experienced during this time.

With this in mind, Seaborne highlights the importance of recognising the signs of teeth grinding – not only to identify the condition, but to seek professional advice to manage it and prevent further issues.

“Bruxism can cause wear and tear on your teeth, sometimes on the biting surfaces, or near the gum line, where tiny fragments of enamel can break off,” she warns. “These are called abfraction cavities and may look like small notches or ledges.”

“Dentists and hygienists often spot the signs during routine check-ups,” she says. “If left untreated, bruxism can lead to issues with your jaw joint – known as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) – which can cause discomfort in your jaw and surrounding muscles.”

If you recognise the signs of bruxism, several self-help strategies can help break this harmful habit.

Securing a professional diagnosis is essential – particularly if the root cause is stress or anxiety. However, Seaborne offers practical advice to ease discomfort in the meantime.

“If stress is involved, practices such as mindfulness, gentle exercise, or relaxation techniques can make a real difference,” she suggests.

“Your primary grinding muscles – the masseter and temporalis – are connected to your neck and shoulders, so tension there often worsens jaw pain. Easing neck and back tightness through therapies such as physiotherapy or acupuncture can help relieve symptoms.”

Seaborne also notes that dentists can fit custom mouthguards, or occlusal splints, to protect your teeth and lessen joint strain. While they don’t always stop grinding entirely, they prevent tooth damage and significantly ease discomfort.

“For people who struggle with mouthguards or have more severe symptoms, Botox is sometimes used alongside mouthguards to help relax your jaw muscles,” she adds. “It works by blocking the signals that cause clenching, without affecting normal chewing. The effects usually last around 12 weeks, and over time, your muscles may become less active, reducing the need for ongoing treatment.”