Dog Teeth Grinding: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Help

Caring for your dog’s dental health is essential, but sometimes you may notice a strange behavior: your dog grinding its teeth. Known as dog bruxism, this can signal anything from mild stress to serious health concerns. Understanding why your dog grinds their teeth is the first step toward ensuring their comfort and well-being.

What is Dog Teeth Grinding?

Dog teeth grinding is the repetitive movement where your dog’s top and bottom teeth rub together, often in a side-to-side pattern rather than the typical up-and-down chewing motion. Unlike normal chewing, teeth grinding is not related to eating and typically occurs when your dog is awake or, less commonly, sleeping.

Recognizing the Signs: How Does Dog Teeth Grinding Sound?

• Subtle noises: You may hear faint clicking or scraping sounds if you pay close attention.
• Jaw movement: Repetitive side-to-side jaw motion—not associated with chewing or playing.
• Teeth chattering: In some dogs, teeth grinding may also present as intermittent chattering.

Sensitivity to these subtle cues is important, as grinding can quickly lead to dental wear or discomfort in your dog’s jaw joint, also known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Why is My Dog Grinding Its Teeth? Common Causes

A range of issues—medical, behavioral, or emotional—can trigger teeth grinding in dogs. Recognizing the underlying cause is vital for proper treatment. Let’s explore the most frequent reasons:

1. Dental Disease

• Tartar buildup: Hardened plaque on teeth irritates gums and causes discomfort.
• Gingivitis and periodontitis: Swollen, infected gums or severe periodontal disease may lead to bruxism.
• Broken or fractured teeth: Exposed nerves or painful cracks trigger grinding.
• Malocclusions: Misaligned teeth or abnormal bite patterns can force dogs to grind their teeth as they attempt to align their jaws.
• Oral ulcerations or growths: Pain from non-dental oral issues, such as ulcers or tumors, can result in teeth grinding or chattering.

If your dog is also reluctant to chew, has bad breath, or prefers soft food, dental or oral pain is likely the culprit.

2. Jaw Abnormalities and TMJ Disorders

• Joint pain or inflammation: The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) connects your dog’s jaw to the skull. Arthritis, dislocation, or birth defects affecting this joint can create pain or misalignment, prompting grinding to seek relief.
• Structural issues: Breeds with flat faces or genetic malocclusions are more susceptible; puppies born with malformed jaws may grind as a lifelong habit.

TMJ issues often manifest as difficulty opening or closing the mouth, jaw popping, or resistance when eating or playing with toys.

3. Abdominal or Gastrointestinal Pain

• Stomach upsets, nausea, or acid reflux may cause dogs to grind their teeth, akin to how some people grit their teeth under stress or discomfort.
• Redirected discomfort: Some veterinarians believe grinding diverts attention from pain in the digestive tract.

Dogs experiencing GI discomfort may also show signs such as lip licking, drooling, or restlessness.

4. Anxiety, Stress, and Emotional Triggers

• Separation anxiety, situational stress, or generalized anxiety can manifest as teeth grinding in some dogs.
• Change in routine: Moving, a new baby, thunder, or fireworks are common triggers.
• Obsessive behaviors: Teeth grinding can develop as a self-soothing habit for particularly stressed dogs.

Behavioral triggers usually occur alongside other anxiety symptoms, such as whining, trembling, destructive behavior, or loss of appetite.

5. Focal Seizures or Neurological Causes

• Focal seizures: Less dramatic than full-body seizures, focal episodes might only appear as rhythmic jaw movements or chattering, sometimes mistaken for teeth grinding.
• If your dog has other odd movements, unresponsiveness, or muscle twitching, consult a vet for neurological evaluation.

Potential Health Risks of Dog Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding may appear harmless but can lead to serious issues if not addressed:

• Dental wear and enamel loss: Excessive grinding erodes tooth surfaces, increasing sensitivity and infection risk.
• Tooth fractures: Weakened teeth can break, especially if your dog chews on hard objects.
• Gum injury: Repetitive friction inflames and damages the gums.
• Jaw pain and arthritis: Chronic strain on the TMJ can diminish range of motion and cause arthritis over time.
• Secondary health problems: Bacteria from oral injuries may enter the bloodstream, affecting internal organs (a condition known as bacteremia).

What To Do If You Notice Your Dog Grinding Its Teeth

Don’t panic, but do take the following steps to safeguard your dog’s health:

1. Monitor frequency and context: Is it an isolated incident or a frequent occurrence? Does it happen during rest, after eating, or in times of stress?
2. Look for other signs: Check for swelling, bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, behavior changes, or any neurological symptoms.
3. Consult your veterinarian promptly: Dental disease and TMJ disorders are best addressed early. Bring a video if possible to show your vet exactly what’s happening.

Veterinary Diagnostics and Evaluation

The veterinarian will typically perform:

• Comprehensive oral exam: Assess gum health, tooth alignment, jaw structure, and look for lesions or sores.
• Diagnostic imaging: Dental X-rays or advanced imaging (CT scan) may be needed to detect hidden abscesses, jaw fractures, bone loss, or TMJ problems.
• Bloodwork or further tests: If gastrointestinal or systemic issues are suspected, your vet may order additional tests.

Treatment Options for Dog Teeth Grinding

Treatment depends on the diagnosed cause. Potential options include:

• Dental cleaning or tooth extractions for infected or broken teeth.
• Medications for oral inflammation, pain management, or infection control.
• Surgical correction for severe dental misalignments or irreparable jaw issues.
• Physical therapy or supportive care for TMJ arthritis.
• Anti-nausea medication, antacids, or dietary changes for gastrointestinal triggers.
• Anti-anxiety medications, behavioral modification, or environmental changes for stress-driven grinding.

In rare neurological causes (such as seizures), antiepileptic drugs or referral to a veterinary neurologist may be required.

How to Prevent Dog Teeth Grinding

Proactive care and routine health monitoring greatly reduce the risk of bruxism in dogs. Here are some helpful strategies:

• Regular dental checkups: Annual or bi-annual vet visits for professional cleaning and oral exams.
• Tooth brushing at home: Daily or several times weekly using dog-safe toothpaste.
• Prompt attention to oral injuries: Address cracked teeth, mouth trauma, or jaw misalignment right away.
• Quality nutrition: Balanced diets support oral and overall health. Special dental formulas can help reduce plaque.
• Stress reduction: Provide predictable routines, mental stimulation, and comfort for anxious dogs. Use calming products or pheromone diffusers as needed.
• Monitor chewing habits: Avoid giving very hard toys or bones to dogs prone to dental issues.

When to Be Concerned: Red Flags

Call your vet if you observe:

• Persistent or worsening grinding
• Bleeding from the mouth, loose teeth, or visible jaw swelling
• Change in appetite or refusal to eat
• Drooling, pawing at the mouth, or head shaking
• Accompanying behavior changes (lethargy, increased aggression, or confusion)

Early intervention helps prevent complications and keeps your dog comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can stress and anxiety cause my dog to grind its teeth?

Yes. Dogs often grind their teeth as a response to emotional distress or anxiety. This behavior may be temporary if the source of stress is resolved, but in chronic cases, professional behavioral support and calming strategies may be warranted.

Is dog teeth grinding dangerous?

While an isolated episode is rarely serious, persistent or frequent grinding can cause dental wear, pain, and secondary infection if left untreated. It’s important to seek veterinary advice if your dog’s bruxism is recurrent.

Can puppies grind their teeth?

Puppies may grind their teeth while teething or if they have a congenital bite problem. Monitor your pup and consult your vet if grinding continues as adult teeth emerge.

How do I know if my dog is in pain?

Look for signs such as reduced interest in food or toys, drooling, reluctance to be touched near the jaw or mouth, and behavioral changes (such as increased irritability or withdrawal).

Will the habit go away on its own?

Sometimes teeth grinding may resolve, especially if triggered by temporary discomfort or stress. However, ongoing grinding warrants medical evaluation to rule out chronic problems.

Table: Common Causes and Solutions for Dog Teeth Grinding

Key Takeaways for Dog Owners

• Regular dental care and checkups help detect problems early.
• Monitor your dog closely for subtle signs of discomfort or behavioral changes.
• Teeth grinding is usually a sign of pain or stress, not a normal canine behavior.
• Veterinary intervention is crucial if the problem persists.
• Prevention and prompt treatment can help your dog maintain a pain-free, happy life.

If you notice your dog grinding its teeth, don’t ignore it. With attentive care and guidance from your veterinarian, most cases of dog bruxism can be addressed for your pet’s lifelong health and comfort.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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