Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is far more common than most people realise – and because it often happens during sleep, many patients don't know they're doing it until we spot the tell-tale wear on their teeth during a check-up.
Q: What causes teeth grinding?
Bruxism can happen while you're awake or asleep, and the causes differ slightly for each. Awake bruxism is often linked to stress, anxiety or concentration (think clenching your jaw while focused on a task). Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement disorder, and is often connected to sleep quality, an irregular bite, or the position of the jaw and teeth. Certain lifestyle factors – high caffeine or alcohol intake, smoking, and some medications – can also make grinding more likely.
Q: How do I know if I'm grinding my teeth?
Common signs include:
• Flattened, chipped or cracked teeth
• Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of the tooth
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Jaw pain, tightness or a tired feeling in the jaw muscles, especially in the morning
• Headaches, particularly around the temples
• A partner mentioning that you grind your teeth at night
Because sleep bruxism often goes unnoticed, a dental check-up is frequently the first place it's picked up.
Q: Why does it matter?
Occasional grinding usually doesn't cause harm, but regular, ongoing grinding can gradually wear down enamel, increase sensitivity, and lead to cracked or fractured teeth over time. It can also strain the jaw joint (the TMJ), leading to clicking, discomfort or difficulty opening the mouth fully. Catching and managing bruxism early helps protect your teeth from more significant, and more costly, damage down the line.
Q: What can be done about it?
The most common and effective treatment is a custom-fitted night guard, a comfortable acrylic appliance worn while sleeping that protects your teeth from the forces of grinding. We take an impression of your teeth to make sure it fits precisely. Alongside this, addressing any underlying stress, improving sleep habits, and cutting back on caffeine or alcohol in the evenings can all help reduce grinding. In some cases, correcting an uneven bite can also make a difference.