Is grinding or clenching cracking my teeth?

The signs of grinding, how it damages teeth and what can be done about it.

Dr Bill Kalis — Saturday 14 November 2026

It may be. Grinding and clenching are among the most common causes of cracked, worn and broken teeth, and most people who do it are not aware of it because it happens during sleep or concentration.

I am Dr Bill Kalis, principal dentist at Padstow Dental in Padstow, Sydney. I see the effects of grinding every week, often in people who had no idea.

How do I know if I grind or clench?

Common signs are:

• Teeth that look flat, short or chipped

• A sore or tired jaw in the morning

• Headaches around the temples

• Fillings or crowns that keep breaking

• Teeth that are sensitive to cold or sore to bite on

• A partner who hears grinding at night

How does grinding crack teeth?

The force of clenching during sleep can be much higher than normal chewing, and it is repeated night after night. Teeth with large fillings are most at risk, because there is less natural tooth holding them together.

What does a cracked tooth feel like?

Often a sharp pain when you bite on something, or when you release the bite, and sensitivity to cold. The pain can come and go, which makes it hard to pinpoint. Cracks are not always visible, even on an X-ray.

What can be done about grinding?

• A night guard: a custom splint worn during sleep that protects the teeth and spreads the load

• Awareness during the day: keeping your teeth slightly apart when you are not eating

• Looking at contributing factors: stress, caffeine, alcohol and sleep problems such as snoring or sleep apnoea, which your doctor can assess

A night guard does not stop grinding, but it protects your teeth from it.

How is a cracked tooth treated?

It depends on how deep the crack goes. A small crack may be monitored or repaired with bonding. A tooth with a larger crack usually needs a crown to hold it together. A crown at Padstow Dental is about $1,900. If the crack reaches the nerve, root canal treatment may be needed first, and a tooth that has split cannot always be saved.

Why does early treatment matter?

Cracks tend to grow. A tooth that could be protected with a crown this year may need more involved treatment, or removal, if the crack spreads.

Fees are a guide only. Treatment costs are confirmed after your consultation.

Common questions about grinding and cracked teeth

Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?

No. Unlike bone, a tooth cannot repair a crack.

Is a chemist mouthguard good enough?

A custom splint made from a scan of your teeth fits more accurately and is designed for your bite.

Do children grind their teeth?

Many do, and most grow out of it. Mention it at their check-up.

What if I have already worn my teeth down?

There are ways to rebuild them. Read about options for worn or broken-down teeth.

Think you might be grinding?

Call Padstow Dental on 02 9773 4775 or send us an enquiry.

Written by Dr Bill Kalis, Principal Dentist at Padstow Dental. BDS (Hons), University of Sydney, 1994. Graduate Certificate in Clinical Dentistry, University of Adelaide, 2007. Past State and Federal President of the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry. Dr Kalis is a general dentist with a focus on implant, surgical and IV sedation dentistry.