Jaw pain from clenching teeth is a common issue, but many people do not realise how much strain it puts on the jaw, teeth, and surrounding muscles until discomfort becomes hard to ignore. Clenching and teeth grinding can happen during the day or at night, and the pressure they create often leads to jaw pain, tired jaw muscles, and other symptoms that affect daily life. Understanding the causes, early signs, and ways to manage it can help protect your oral health and reduce long-term problems.
In this guide, we explain why jaw pain develops, what may be causing the grinding and clenching, and the practical steps you can take to ease the discomfort.
Why Jaw Pain Happens When You Clench or Grind Your Teeth
When you grind your teeth or clench your jaw tightly, you activate your jaw muscles far more than they are designed to handle. Over time, this constant muscle activity can make the jaw joint and surrounding areas feel sore, tight, or stiff. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is especially sensitive to pressure, and repeated strain often leads to jaw stiffness, jaw pain, or tenderness around the temporomandibular joint TMJ.
Some people grind their teeth only at night (known as sleep bruxism), while others grind their teeth or clench during the day (awake bruxism). In both cases, the extra force on the jaw can lead to tooth wear, cracked teeth, loose teeth, and even tooth damage in more severe cases.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Bruxism, the medical term for grinding and clenching, can come from different causes. Often, more than one factor is involved. Some of the main risk factors include:
1. Stress and Emotional Tension
Daily stress, emotional stress, or pressure at work can make people clench their jaw without noticing. This is one of the most common reasons people grind their teeth.
2. Poor Sleep
Sleep disorders and poor sleep can trigger or worsen sleep bruxism. When the brain is not moving smoothly through sleep cycles, the jaw muscles can tighten or move involuntarily, causing grinding noises or morning jaw pain.
3. Certain Neurological Disorders
Certain neurological disorders or changes in the brain’s muscle-control pathways can increase the likelihood of grinding and clenching. While this is less common, it is still an important risk factor.
4. Certain Medications
Some medications can increase muscle activity during sleep or raise the chances of people grinding their teeth. Always discuss concerns with your dentist if you think medication may be a cause.
5. Lifestyle Habits
Alcohol, smoking, and heavy caffeine intake are lifestyle habits linked to a higher risk of jaw clenching, especially at night.
6. Other Medical Conditions
Some health issues can also cause more jaw tension and lead to clenching. Sinus pressure or ear discomfort can also make the jaw tighten.
Early Signs to Watch For
Many people do not realise they grind their teeth until symptoms appear. Some early signs include:
- A sore jaw when you wake up
- Tired jaw muscles, especially in the morning
- Jaw stiffness or tightness when opening your mouth
- Grinding noises, noticed by a partner
- Headaches, especially tension headaches in the temples
- Increased sensitivity in teeth
- Difficulty chewing certain foods
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint
Seeing these early signs allows you to take action before it turns into more noticeable pain or long-term tooth wear.
How Jaw Pain From Clenching Teeth Affects Your Oral Health
The pressure created during grinding and clenching can reach levels much stronger than normal chewing. Over time, this can affect your teeth and jaw in several ways:
1. Tooth Wear and Damage
Continuous grinding can wear down the enamel, flatten the biting edges, or increase the risk of cracked teeth. If the pressure continues, teeth may become loose or sensitive.
2. TMJ Disorders
Ongoing strain on the temporomandibular joint can lead to TMJ disorders, which may cause ongoing jaw pain, clicking, difficulty opening your mouth, or pain around the ears.
3. Muscle Soreness
The jaw muscles can become fatigued and painful, especially after a night of sleep bruxism. People often describe it as a dull ache that worsens with chewing.
4. Headaches and Facial Pain
The tight muscles around the jaw can trigger tension headaches or general facial pain.
Why Some People Grind Their Teeth During Sleep
During sleep, the muscles in your body normally relax. However, in people with sleep bruxism, the jaw muscles stay active or tense. This can be linked to sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, nightmares, or frequent waking. When the brain becomes alert quickly during poor sleep, the jaw may clench as part of this sudden muscle response.
Sleep bruxism tends to be stronger than awake bruxism, which is why the symptoms can feel more intense in the morning.
Managing Jaw Pain From Clenching Teeth
You can reduce discomfort and protect your oral health by combining at-home steps with professional care. The right approach depends on the cause, how severe the symptoms are, and how often you grind or clench.
1. Use a Mouth Guard
A custom mouth guard is one of the most effective ways to reduce tooth wear and protect against tooth damage. It does not stop you from clenching, but it cushions the pressure so your teeth and jaw joint experience less force.
2. Practise Good Sleep Hygiene
2. Practise Good Sleep HygieneImproving sleep habits can help reduce sleep bruxism. Some good sleep hygiene tips include:
- Keeping a regular sleep schedule
- Limiting caffeine later in the day
- Reducing screen time before bed
- Creating a calm sleeping environment
3. Reduce Stress
Since stress is a major trigger, try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, stretching, or short breaks during the day. Even small lifestyle changes can lower emotional stress and reduce jaw clenching.
4. Check Your Daytime Habits
Many people clench when focusing. Becoming aware of this habit can help you relax your jaw. A simple reminder is to keep your lips together but teeth slightly apart.
5. Seek Help for Sleep Disorders
If you suspect a sleep disorder is involved, a sleep study or medical assessment can help identify the cause.
6. Medication Review
If certain medications may be contributing, your doctor may adjust them where appropriate.
Final Thoughts
Jaw pain from clenching teeth can affect everyday life, sleep, and oral health, but it can be managed with the right steps. Paying attention to early signs, reducing stress, supporting better sleep, and working with your dentist can make a meaningful difference. With the proper lifestyle changes and protective tools like a mouth guard, you can ease pain, protect your teeth, and support long-term jaw health.
If your symptoms continue or you are worried about tooth wear or jaw discomfort, seeking professional advice can help you find the cause and create a plan that fits your needs.
If you’re concerned about jaw pain from clenching teeth or want a clearer understanding of what’s causing your symptoms, you can book a consultation or call (08) 7078 8263.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Resources
Mayo Clinic Staff (2024). ‘Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)’. Mayo Clinic, 27 December. Rochester, MN: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356095
Cherney, K. and McLean, A. (2025). ‘10 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy’. Healthline, 13 May. San Francisco, CA: Healthline Media.
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/best-practices-for-healthy-teeth
Morgan, K. K. (2025). ‘Tooth Enamel Erosion and Restoration’. WebMD, 7 October. New York, NY: WebMD Health Corp.
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tooth-enamel-erosion-restoration