Bruxism is the involuntary grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth, occurring during the day (awake bruxism) or night (sleep bruxism), often linked to stress, anxiety, certain medications, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, worn teeth, sensitive teeth, and sore facial muscles, potentially leading to fractured teeth or TMJ disorders. Treatment involves custom mouthguards, stress management, and addressing underlying sleep issues, though many people outgrow it, say Mayo Clinic and this YouTube video. Causes & Risk Factors Psychological: Stress, anxiety, anger, excitement, competitive personality. Sleep-Related: Sleep apnea, snoring, sleep disorders. Lifestyle: Caffeine, alcohol, smoking, recreational drugs. Medical: Certain medications (like some antidepressants), a misaligned bite (malocclusion). Genetics: Runs in families. Common Symptoms Teeth grinding or clenching sounds (can disturb partners). Flattened, chipped, fractured, or loose teeth. Worn tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity. Dull headaches (especially in the temples) or earaches. Sore, tight, or tired jaw muscles, sometimes leading to a locked jaw. Pain in the face, neck, or shoulders. Indentations on the tongue or damage to the inside of the cheek. Treatment & Management Dental Protection: Custom-fit mouthguards or splints to prevent tooth damage. Stress Reduction: Counseling, meditation, yoga, and exercise. Behavioral Changes: Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and stimulants. Addressing Sleep Issues: Treating sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. Dental Repair: Fixing damaged teeth or fillings. When to See a Professional If you experience jaw pain, headaches, or notice tooth damage. If you suspect you have sleep apnea. Your dentist can diagnose bruxism and recommend the best treatment plan.