Bruxism has multiple causes and cannot be reduced to stress. Research describes associated factors, with findings varying between sleep and awake bruxism and how they are measured. An association in a study does not automatically identify an individual's cause.
Start by distinguishing day and night
The awake and sleep bruxism are distinct situations in the international consensus. Noticing clenching at a screen is different from someone hearing grinding during sleep. International consensus on bruxism, Lobbezoo et al., 2018.
To prepare for an appointment, describe the facts: timing, perceived frequency, discomfort and recent changes. Avoid starting with one explanation, such as “it must be stress” or “it must be my jaw”.
Stress and emotional context
Stress and other psychosocial factors are among the associations described by NIDCR. This does not mean everyone affected is anxious or that the activity disappears as soon as they relax. NIDCR, patient information on bruxism, 2025.
A useful approach is to note situations in which you notice clenching without monitoring your mouth constantly. Share these observations with your professional; they may help define a concrete goal.
Alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and medicines
Melo and colleagues' review finds associations with alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and some psychotropic medicines. Included studies vary in quality. Factors do not add up to a diagnostic bruxism score. Bruxism: umbrella review, Melo et al., 2019.
- Mention usual consumption without trying to calculate a “safe” threshold yourself.
- Report treatments and recent dose changes.
- Do not change prescribed medicine without discussing it with the prescriber.
- Assess habits together with other symptoms.
Sleep, breathing and family history
Family background and sleep are among the factors covered by NIDCR. Snoring or unrefreshing sleep may warrant separate assessment. A protective guard is not an oral appliance intended to treat apnoea. NIDCR, expert questions on bruxism, 2025.
If others mainly report night-time sounds, the guide to grinding at night explains useful observations. Bruxism alone neither establishes nor excludes apnoea.
Does tooth shape explain everything?
The collected sources do not reduce every case of bruxism to poor dental contact. Do not infer from discomfort that teeth must be modified to stop the behaviour. A treatment proposal should explain its precise clinical goal and alternatives.
The management options are selected according to observed consequences. A bruxism guard may be considered to provide a barrier without addressing every possible cause. MyoProtect belongs to this product category.
Common questions
Is bruxism psychological?
Stress may be associated, but is not a universal explanation. Pain or wear should not be dismissed as “only psychological”.
Is it hereditary?
Family background is described among possible factors. This does not predict with certainty who will be affected or how severely.
Is finding one factor enough for a cure?
No. Reducing an associated factor does not guarantee episodes will disappear; follow-up also considers dental consequences and discomfort.
Sources and update
- International consensus on bruxism, Lobbezoo et al., 2018
- Bruxism: umbrella review, Melo et al., 2019
- NIDCR, patient information on bruxism, 2025
- NIDCR, expert questions on bruxism, 2025
Written by Dr Vladimir Khourda. Updated: 1 October 2026. This information helps explain the options; appliance choice depends on your dental circumstances.