Why You Really Grind Your Teeth (It’s Not What You Think) Part 1

Rheece Hartte

2d • Give Advice

WHAT is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the medical term for-

Teeth grinding
Jaw clenching
Tension in the jaw muscles

It can happen during the day (awake bruxism) or while asleep (sleep bruxism)

Sleep bruxism is considered a movement disorder, often linked to stress, nervous system imbalance, or airway issues.

WHO Gets Bruxism?

Almost anyone but some groups are more at risk.

People with high stress or anxiety
People with poor sleep quality
Those with misaligned bite or dental issues
People with sleep apnea or airway problems
Individuals with acid reflux
Those who drink caffeine late in the day
People who use nicotine, alcohol, or certain medications
Kids going through growth spurts
Adults with chronic tension patterns (neck, shoulders, jaw)

It is very common in women 40+, especially with hormonal changes that affect stress response and sleep quality.

WHEN Does Bruxism Happen?

At night

Most common
People often don’t know they’re doing it
Often linked to sleep disturbances, airway obstruction, and stress hormones

During the day

Usually due to stress, concentration, or habit
Happens while driving, working, or scrolling on a phone

WHERE Does Bruxism Show Up in the Body?

It’s not just the teeth as bruxism has full-body effects.

Jaw pain
Headaches (especially temple tension)
Neck and shoulder tightness
Cracked or worn teeth
Receding gums
Ear pain or ringing
Facial asymmetry
Clicking or popping in the jaw
Poor sleep quality
TMJ disorders

Night grinding can even lead to morning exhaustion from micro-awakenings during sleep.

WHY Does Bruxism Happen?

Bruxism is almost never about the teeth alone. It's a nervous system and airway issue disguised as a dental one.

The MOST Common Root Causes

Stress & Overactive Fight or Flight response

When the brain feels threatened (that Tiger chasing You), the jaw muscles tense automatically.

Key - This becomes chronic if the nervous system stays stuck in stress mode.

Poor Sleep or Airway Problems

Low oxygen triggers the brain to “wake up” the airway and grinding is one way the body does it.

So it's linked to -

Sleep apnea
Snoring
Mouth breathing
Tongue posture issues

Hormonal Shifts (especially in women 40–60)

Low progesterone leads to poor sleep & a higher stress response which leads to more grinding at night.

Gut and Inflammation Issues
Parasites, candida, reflux, or inflammation can stimulate the nervous system at night.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Especially-

Magnesium
Calcium
Vitamin D
Electrolytes

Low magnesium alone is a huge driver because it regulates muscle relaxation.

Bite misalignment (less common root cause)

Can aggravate grinding, but usually not the original trigger.

Bruxism, like cribbing in animals, is a stress plus nervous system plus nutrient story, not just “bad teeth.”

HOW Do You Fix Bruxism?

You don’t just protect the teeth. You fix the root cause.

Calm the Nervous System (Core Fix)

Because bruxism is tension stored in the jaw.

Do exercises or even self -massage to relax the neck, shoulders, jaw

FitnHealthy Tools-

Breathwork before bed
Downshifting at night (dim lights, no screens 1 hour before bed)
Magnesium glycinate or magnesium threonate
Warm Epsom salt bath
Gut Health review
Gentle stretching & massage of jaw, neck, shoulders
Mindfulness practices for daytime clenching. Breathwork during the day (set alarms on your phone/watch)

Improve Sleep Quality and the Airway

This is huge and often overlooked.

FitnHealthy Tools-

Nasal breathing training
Mouth-taping at night (for nasal breathers only)
Screens off at night
Protein-rich dinner to stabilize blood sugar
Evaluate for sleep apnea if severe. There are many reasons for this too.

Address Nutrient Deficiencies with a Qualified Health Professional. Don't self medicate.

Magnesium glycinate: 300–400 mg before bed
Adequate electrolytes
Vitamin D + magnesium combination
Check Iron/Ferritin Levels
Increase B Vitamins especially B5 - 100mg 500mg
Omega 3s from Supplements or Food
Adequate Fiber

Balance Stress Hormones- this is a biggie.

Especially in women over 40.

FitnHealthy Tools-

Morning sunlight
Walking after meals
Avoid caffeine after 1 p.m.
Improve progesterone support naturally
Breathwork/ Vagus nerve work/Self reflection

Support the Gut

If there are signs of reflux, gas, bloating, or night time heartburn this can drive bruxism.

Correcting gut issues can calm night time nervous system “alerts.”

Dental Support (protective, not curative)

Night guard
Botox (not ideal long-term as it causes muscle weakening wherever it's used, even around the 11s. It's a neurotoxin.Repeated injections over time can weaken and atrophy the injected muscles, because they’re being chemically “turned off” over and over.
Dental evaluation for jaw alignment

Many over-the-counter devices (boil and-bite, airway dilators, “anti-grind” devices) are made from soft thermoplastic polymers that can wear with chewing.
There’s growing concern about microplastics in general
Most custom dental splints are made from hard, cross-linked acrylic (PMMA), or Hybrid ceramic/resin materials which are quite stable and shows minimal surface wear when made and used correctly.Hard acrylic is a thermoset, not a soft plastic you mash up. It tends to chip or crack long-term, not shed like a gummy sports guard.
Environmental microplastics from water, food, and air are a much bigger exposure.

Bruxism isn’t just teeth grinding.

It’s your nervous system, sleep, nutrient deficiencies, hormones, and stress load talking to you.

FitnHealthy Tips