What to notice?
Situations, tension and symptoms.
← All explanationsAwake bruxism
Why do I clench my teeth during the day?
Awake bruxism is chewing-muscle activity while awake, such as repeated or sustained tooth contact, clenching or bracing the jaw. Not every episode causes damage. Symptoms, excessive loading and consequences determine its clinical relevance.
For training & practice ↓
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Often silent
During concentrated work the teeth may remain together or the muscles may stay tense. Audible grinding is not required.
Notice the pattern
Occasional conscious observation may reveal situations in which it happens. These observations support a discussion; they are not a diagnosis or risk score.
Assess consequences
Pain, tooth wear and other possible causes are examined. Education and suitable behavioural measures may form part of an individual plan.
At a glance
What is assessed?
Muscles, joints, teeth and alternative explanations.
What is not the aim?
Labelling every normal tooth contact as disease.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Often silent
During concentrated work the teeth may remain together or the muscles may stay tense. Audible grinding is not required.
Notice the pattern
Occasional conscious observation may reveal situations in which it happens. These observations support a discussion; they are not a diagnosis or risk score.
Assess consequences
Pain, tooth wear and other possible causes are examined. Education and suitable behavioural measures may form part of an individual plan.
Often confused
Awake versus sleep bruxism
They differ by the state in which muscle activity occurs. Tension noticed during the day does not prove activity during sleep.
Quick answers
Is stress always the cause?
No. Stress can contribute, but several influences are possible. Clenching alone cannot identify a single cause.
Do I automatically need a splint?
No. Whether protection or other measures are appropriate depends on findings and symptoms.
What if medication may contribute?
Discuss the timing with the prescribing clinician. Do not stop prescribed medication on your own.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Which observations matter, and which measures could fit my daily routine?
Repeated clenching with discomfort can be discussed in a focused appointment.
Discuss clenching and jaw discomfortAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Clenching
- Forceful or sustained tooth contact.
- Bracing
- Holding or tensing the jaw, possibly without tooth contact.
- Self-observation
- Noting situations, not performing a diagnostic test.
Make the distinction
They differ by the state in which muscle activity occurs. Tension noticed during the day does not prove activity during sleep.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.