Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth. It usually happens without you even realizing it, especially at night.
Most people find out from a partner who hears the grinding, or from a dentist who notices worn down enamel during a checkup. It sounds like a small habit, but it is not harmless.
Left alone, bruxism can lead to headaches, jaw pain, disrupted sleep, cracked teeth, and a condition called TMJ disorder that affects the joint connecting your jaw to your skull.
The good news is that most cases can be managed once you understand what is triggering the grinding in the first place.