See also BRUXISM. Teeth-grinding occurs in children during sleep and is of no significance unless really persistent. During the day it may be an attention-seeking device or related to anxiety.

In adults it is usually associated with stress or anxiety, but may be due to some local condition in the mouth such as an unsatisfactory filling. It may also be caused by certain drugs, including fenfluramine and LEVODOPA. If not controlled, it produces excessive wear of tooth enamel. Treatment consists of alleviation of any condition in the mouth and of any anxiety and stress.