Most people who grind their teeth chronically do so at night, unconsciously. While occasionally teeth grinding is usually not a reason for concern, anyone who experiences habitual teeth grinding should consider seeking treatment. Habitual teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) exerts excessive force (upwards of 200 lbs) on the teeth and jaw joints. This causes wear and tear on the tooth enamel, as well as muscles and joints in the jaw. Bruxism can lead to a variety of serious problems. These include broken and damaged teeth, headaches, neck and jaw pain. Stress, anxiety, and other problems can cause or exacerbate teeth grinding.