Jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism)
 

Do you wake up with tired or painful jaw muscles? Do you notice that your teeth are often touching during the day? Or does your partner hear you grinding your teeth at night? These can be signs of bruxism: repeated activity of the jaw muscles, with or without tooth contact.
 

Not everyone who clenches or grinds their teeth develops symptoms. When the strain becomes too much, however, it can lead to pain, stiffness or damage to the teeth. At Mind Your Motion in Amsterdam, we therefore look beyond whether you clench or grind. We also consider when it happens, how it affects you and which factors may be relevant in your situation.
 

Written and clinically reviewed by drs. Robert Kuizenga, physiotherapist, Manual Therapist MSc, oral physiotherapist and Craniofacial Therapist (CRAFTA®). Last reviewed: 28 October 2026.

At a glance

Jaw clenching and teeth grinding are forms of bruxism. They may contribute to jaw pain, headaches, muscle tension and tooth wear. Jaw physiotherapy can help assess contributing factors and reduce related symptoms.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the collective term for jaw clenching, teeth grinding and holding or pushing the lower jaw forwards. According to the current international consensus, bruxism is not a disorder in itself but a form of jaw-muscle activity. It can be harmless, although in some people it may contribute to pain, tooth wear or overloading of the jaw.

There are two main forms:

• Awake bruxism: clenching or tensing the jaw while you are awake, for example during focused work, driving or a stressful period.

• Sleep bruxism: grinding or tensing the jaw during sleep. You may not be aware that it is happening.

Both forms can occur in the same person, but they do not necessarily have the same triggers and may require a different approach.

 

Symptoms associated with jaw clenching or teeth grinding

Possible symptoms include:

• tired, tense or painful jaw muscles;

• pain around the jaw, temples, ears or face;

• headaches, particularly on waking;

• difficulty opening the mouth or a stiff feeling in the jaw;

• neck symptoms that occur alongside the jaw symptoms;

• sensitive, worn or damaged teeth;

• clicking or popping in the jaw joint;

• tinnitus that changes with movement or tension of the jaw or neck.

These symptoms can have other causes as well. A proper assessment is therefore more useful than simply establishing that you clench or grind your teeth.

What causes bruxism?

There is usually no single cause. Awake bruxism may be associated with habits, prolonged concentration, stress, tension or insufficient recovery. Sleep bruxism occurs during sleep and is not simply the night-time version of daytime clenching.

Sleep quality, medication, stimulants and other health factors may also play a part. Loud snoring, pauses in breathing or marked daytime sleepiness are reasons to discuss the symptoms with your GP or dentist. Bruxism alone does not mean that you have sleep apnoea.

 

How can jaw physiotherapy help?

Treatment starts with a conversation and physical assessment. We examine areas such as jaw mobility, the load on the chewing muscles, the neck and your everyday oral habits. We then discuss an approach that fits your symptoms and goals.

Treatment may include:

• information about your symptoms and the factors that may be maintaining them;

• learning to recognise and interrupt unconscious jaw clenching;

• exercises for relaxation, coordination and mobility of the jaw and neck;

• manual techniques for muscles and joints;

• advice about load, recovery, sleep and daily habits;

• dry needling when appropriate after assessment.

For awake bruxism, self-monitoring and reminders may help you notice the pattern more often. The available research is still limited, but suggests that behavioural approaches may reduce how often clenching occurs and how much it affects you.

Jaw physiotherapy mainly aims to reduce symptoms such as pain, muscle tension and restricted movement. We cannot promise that clenching or grinding will stop completely. In some situations, working with a dentist, GP, psychologist or sleep specialist is more appropriate. If your teeth are worn or damaged, a dentist can assess whether a custom-made occlusal splint would be useful. A splint may protect the teeth, but it does not automatically address the cause of bruxism.

Jaw physiotherapy at Mind Your Motion in Amsterdam

Our physiotherapists have completed additional training in head, jaw, neck and throat-related symptoms, including orofacial and craniofacial physiotherapy and CRAFTA. We combine physical assessment with practical advice and exercises you can use yourself. There is no single standard protocol: the approach is tailored to your symptoms and goals.

Would you like to know whether jaw physiotherapy could be suitable for you? You can book an appointment online at Mind Your Motion on WG-plein in Amsterdam.

Frequently asked questions

Can you unlearn jaw clenching?

With daytime clenching, it is often possible to recognise the pattern earlier and learn to interrupt it. This takes repetition: at rest, your teeth would normally not be touching. You cannot consciously unlearn sleep bruxism while you are asleep. In that case, we focus on possible contributing factors and limiting its effects.

 

Does a mouthguard help with teeth grinding?

A well-fitting occlusal splint can protect the teeth and may reduce symptoms for some people. It does not automatically stop teeth grinding and is not necessary for everyone. A dentist should assess and fit any splint.
 

Is jaw clenching always caused by stress?

No. Stress or tension may play a part for some people, particularly with awake bruxism, but it is rarely the only explanation. Habits, sleep, medication and other personal factors may also be relevant.
 

When should I see a dentist or GP?

See a dentist if you notice significant tooth wear, broken teeth or dental pain. Contact your GP if you develop swelling, fever, a jaw that suddenly will not open or close, or symptoms following an accident. Loud snoring, pauses in breathing and severe daytime sleepiness should also be discussed with your GP.
 

Sources

1. Verhoeff MC, et al. Updating the Bruxism Definitions: Report of an International Consensus Meeting. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. 2025. doi:10.1111/joor.13985

2. Manfredini D, et al. Standardised Tool for the Assessment of Bruxism. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. 2024;51(1):29–58. doi:10.1111/joor.13411

3. Soares-Silva L, et al. Effects of different interventions on bruxism: an overview of systematic reviews. Sleep and Breathing. 2024;28:1465–1476. doi:10.1007/s11325-023-02961-7

4. Graham DA, et al. Management of awake bruxism: a systematic review. BMC Oral Health. 2026;26:559. doi:10.1186/s12903-026-07856-z

5. Villar-Aragón-Berzosa V, et al. Manual Therapy Techniques Versus Occlusal Splint Therapy for Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Dentistry Journal. 2024;12(11):355. doi:10.3390/dj12110355