More Young People Are Grinding Their Teeth—Are You One of Them?

Teeth grinding used to be something many people associated with older adults. Today, dentists are seeing signs of bruxism—clenching or grinding the teeth—across younger age groups as well.

You may not even realize you are doing it. Grinding often happens during sleep, when you have no awareness of the habit. Others may clench their teeth during the day, particularly when concentrating, exercising, studying, working, or feeling stressed.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the repeated clenching, grinding, or forceful contact of the teeth. It can occur while you are awake or asleep.

Occasional tooth contact is normal. The concern is when clenching or grinding becomes frequent or intense enough to place excessive stress on the teeth, jaw muscles, and supporting structures.

Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth

Some warning signs include:

• Waking up with a sore or tired jaw
• Morning headaches, especially around the temples
• Tooth sensitivity without an obvious cause
• Flattened, worn, or chipped teeth
• Cracks or fractures in teeth
• Increased jaw tension
• Clicking or discomfort around the jaw
• Indentations along the sides of the tongue
• Increased tooth mobility or changes in your bite

A partner or family member may also notice grinding sounds while you sleep before you notice any symptoms yourself.

Why Are More Young People Experiencing It?

There isn’t one single cause of bruxism. Stress and anxiety can contribute to daytime clenching and may also be associated with sleep-related bruxism. Poor sleep, certain medications, caffeine, and other factors may also play a role.

Modern life can make it easy to remain in a state of constant tension. Long hours studying or working, prolonged screen time, academic or professional pressure, and difficulty getting enough quality sleep can all contribute to habits that affect the jaw.

Importantly, grinding should not automatically be blamed on stress alone. Your dentist or physician can help determine whether other factors may be involved.

What Does Grinding Do to Your Teeth?

Your teeth are designed to withstand normal chewing forces, but repeated excessive forces can cause damage over time.

Grinding may contribute to:

Enamel wear: The protective outer layer of the tooth can gradually become thinner.

Chipping and fractures: Excessive forces can contribute to cracks, chips, and broken restorations.

Sensitivity: As tooth structure wears, areas of the tooth may become more sensitive to cold, heat, or pressure.

Muscle and jaw discomfort: Constant clenching can overwork the muscles responsible for chewing.

But there is another important consideration: your gums and the bone supporting your teeth can also be affected by excessive biting forces.

Can Grinding Affect Your Gums?

Grinding does not necessarily cause periodontal disease by itself. Periodontal disease is primarily an inflammatory infection involving the tissues supporting the teeth.

However, excessive biting forces can place additional stress on teeth and their supporting structures, particularly when periodontal tissues are already compromised.

This is one reason it is important to evaluate the whole mouth—not just the teeth—when someone has unexplained tooth mobility, discomfort, or bone loss.

If you already have gum disease, controlling inflammation and managing excessive forces may both be important parts of protecting your teeth.

Don’t Ignore Tooth Wear

Young people sometimes assume that chipped or worn teeth are simply a cosmetic problem. Significant wear at a relatively young age, however, can be a sign that excessive forces are occurring.

Your dentist or periodontist can evaluate:

• Tooth wear patterns
• Gum and bone health
• Your bite
• Tooth mobility
• Jaw-muscle tenderness
• Signs of daytime clenching
• Possible sleep-related factors

Early identification can help prevent minor problems from becoming more complicated.

What Can You Do If You Think You Grind Your Teeth?

Start by paying attention to when your teeth come together.

During the day, your upper and lower teeth generally do not need to remain in constant contact. If you catch yourself clenching, consciously relax your jaw and avoid holding tension in your facial muscles.

Other helpful steps may include:

• Prioritizing consistent, adequate sleep
• Managing daily stress in healthy ways
• Limiting excessive caffeine, particularly later in the day
• Maintaining regular dental examinations
• Addressing tooth sensitivity or unexplained wear early
• Asking your dentist whether a professionally evaluated night guard is appropriate

A night guard can protect teeth from excessive contact in appropriate patients, but it is important to have it properly evaluated and fitted rather than assuming every type of mouthguard is appropriate.

What About TMJ Problems?

Bruxism and jaw disorders can occur together, but grinding is not the only cause of temporomandibular joint problems.

If you experience persistent jaw pain, difficulty opening your mouth, headaches, or changes in the way your teeth come together, discuss these symptoms with your dentist.

Your Teeth Shouldn’t Have to Work Overtime

Grinding your teeth may seem like a harmless habit, especially when it happens while you’re asleep. Over time, however, repeated excessive forces can contribute to tooth wear, fractures, sensitivity, and jaw discomfort.

If you’re young and already noticing worn teeth, chipped teeth, morning jaw soreness, or unexplained sensitivity, don’t simply assume it’s normal.

Your teeth may be telling you something.

A dental examination can help determine whether bruxism is occurring and whether your teeth, gums, bite, or jaw need additional attention. Protecting your oral health isn’t just about keeping your teeth clean—it’s also about understanding the forces acting on them every day.

About the Author
Dr. Jin Eslami, DDS, MS, is a board-certified periodontist with over 30 years of experience in periodontal disease treatment, dental implants, and advanced bone regeneration. Based in Rancho Santa Margarita, she specializes in complex cases involving severe gum disease and full-arch implant rehabilitation. Dr. Eslami is a strong advocate for the connection between oral health and systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Eslami’s office for expert periodontal and implant care.
Orange County Oral Surgery & Periodontics
Phone: 949-888-0332
Website: https://www.ocosperio.com/