Teeth grinding is most commonly caused by stress and anxiety, but can also result from misaligned teeth, sleep disorders like sleep apnoea, or certain medications. Many people grind their teeth without realising it, especially during sleep when the body responds to tension.
Dental Conditions
Teeth Grinding
Stop grinding your teeth and protect your smile with expert care from Bespoke Dental
If you regularly wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or worn teeth, you may be grinding your teeth during sleep. At Bespoke Dental, we help patients across Manchester and London diagnose and treat teeth grinding with personalised solutions designed to protect both your teeth and jaw health.
What is Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, often during sleep. While occasional grinding may seem harmless, persistent bruxism can place excessive pressure on your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles over time.
Common causes of teeth grinding include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Bite or alignment issues (malocclusion)
- Sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea
- Lifestyle factors including caffeine or alcohol
- Certain medications or medical conditions
Without treatment, chronic grinding can lead to tooth wear, fractures, jaw pain, and long-term damage to your smile.
How Do I Know if I’m Grinding My Teeth?
You may be grinding your teeth if you notice:
- Worn, flattened, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Jaw pain or tightness when waking up
- Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Tension in the face, neck, or shoulders
- Clicking or discomfort in the jaw joint
- Disturbed sleep or facial soreness
Many people are unaware they grind their teeth until symptoms become more noticeable or a dentist identifies signs during an examination.
What Treatments Can Fix Teeth Grinding
Night Guards or Splints
Custom-fitted night guards or splints are designed to create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing direct contact and minimising the effects of grinding.
Orthodontic Treatment
If misaligned teeth or bite issues are contributing to your teeth grinding, orthodontic solutions like Invisalign can correct alignment and reduce the underlying cause. Straightening your bite may naturally reduce clenching and improve jaw comfort.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the effects of teeth grinding and provide timely interventions to prevent further damage. Professional cleanings and fluoride treatments can help strengthen enamel.
COMFORTABLE SURROUNDINGS
Our Clinics
Manchester
482-484 Liverpool Road, Peel Green, Eccles, Manchester, M30 7HZ
At our Manchester clinic in Eccles, we offer comprehensive teeth grinding treatment, including custom night guards, bite assessments, and restorative care for worn teeth. Our team understands the discomfort bruxism causes and works with you to find lasting relief.
London
370 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LT
Our London clinic on Old Street provides expert treatment for teeth grinding, combining cutting-edge diagnostics with personalised care. Whether you’re experiencing jaw pain or visible tooth wear, we’ll help you protect your smile with tailored solutions.
Teeth Grinding
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What causes teeth grinding?
Can teeth grinding be fixed?
Is teeth grinding serious if left untreated?
What are the signs that I’m grinding my teeth?
Answer
Teeth grinding is most commonly caused by stress and anxiety, but can also result from misaligned teeth, sleep disorders like sleep apnoea, or certain medications. Many people grind their teeth without realising it, especially during sleep when the body responds to tension.
While bruxism can’t always be ‘cured’, it can be effectively managed and its damage prevented. Custom night guards are one of the most effective solutions, protecting teeth from wear. Addressing the underlying causes, like stress, bite problems, or sleep issues, can also reduce or eliminate grinding.
Left untreated, chronic teeth grinding can cause significant problems, including worn enamel, cracked or chipped teeth, receding gums, and tooth sensitivity.
Common signs include waking up with jaw soreness or tightness, frequent headaches, worn or flattened tooth surfaces, increased tooth sensitivity, indentations on your tongue, and pain when chewing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
While bruxism can’t always be ‘cured’, it can be effectively managed and its damage prevented. Custom night guards are one of the most effective solutions, protecting teeth from wear. Addressing the underlying causes, like stress, bite problems, or sleep issues, can also reduce or eliminate grinding.
Left untreated, chronic teeth grinding can cause significant problems, including worn enamel, cracked or chipped teeth, receding gums, and tooth sensitivity.
Common signs include waking up with jaw soreness or tightness, frequent headaches, worn or flattened tooth surfaces, increased tooth sensitivity, indentations on your tongue, and pain when chewing.