Should Your Teeth Be Clenched?

Your teeth are part of your mouth which means when your mouth is resting and inactive, your teeth should be resting too. They're not chewing on anything, they're not clenching or being used to speak. Enabling teeth to rest in the appropriate manner is important for your oral health in several different ways.

Should your teeth be clenched when your mouth is closed?

When your mouth is closed, your upper and lower teeth should be apart, with your tongue slightly forward between them. This will prevent you from clenching teeth during the day – and, with luck, will ease the habit while you're asleep as well.

What does it mean when your teeth are clenched?

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching (also called bruxism) is often related to stress or anxiety. It does not always cause symptoms, but some people get facial pain and headaches, and it can wear down your teeth over time. Most people who grind their teeth and clench their jaw are not aware they're doing it.