What causes teeth grinding?

Teeth grinding usually comes from several factors overlapping rather than a single cause. The main ones are 1) stress and tension, 2) poor sleep quality, which may come with snoring or sleep apnea, 3) problems with how the teeth meet (occlusion), and 4) caffeine, alcohol, and smoking habits. Continued grinding can lead to worn teeth, sensitivity, jaw joint pain, and morning headaches, so if your family has heard you grinding or your jaw feels stiff in the morning, we recommend an examination.