When asleep you can clench more tightly and grind your teeth with up to 113 kilograms of force, and some tell-tale symptoms may emerge. Because your jaw muscles tighten during episodes of bruxism, a first sign might be pain and stiffness in your jaw, particularly when you are eating breakfast. Or you may notice a dull headache or ear pain, aching teeth, or unusual sensitivity in your teeth.

Or you may be unaware there is anything wrong at all, until you go for a dental check-up.

Teeth grinding can lead to worn down, fractured, chipped or loose teeth, or cracked or broken fillings and crowns. It also strains your jaw joint, which can result in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.

What causes teeth grinding?

It is difficult to identify a single cause of bruxism, but some factors increase the probability.

• Stress and anxiety are among the leading causes.
• Lifestyle factors, including alcohol, smoking and caffeine.
• Snoring.
• Obstructive sleep apnoea.
• Drugs, including antidepressants, anti-psychotics, amphetamines and cocaine.

What is the best treatment?

As soon as you notice any signs of teeth grinding, see your dentist who can assess and repair any damage to your teeth.

Next you want to remove the cause if possible. Stress management techniques such as relaxation, cognitive behaviour therapy and hypnotherapy can help. Good sleep hygiene and regular exercise are also important. Your dentist or doctor may suggest being checked for sleep apnoea of this is a possible cause for you.

Your dentist may recommend a custom-made occlusal splint to wear at night. This protects your teeth from damage and decreases the symptoms from the muscles and jaw joint linked to the grinding.

If the cause of your teeth grinding is emotional, contacting a support service can help. Ask your doctor or Google for details of support services in your local area.