The Hidden Habit That’s Damaging Your Teeth
- nataliejscurr
- Dec 1, 2025
- 2 min read
Do you find yourself waking up with a sore jaw, headaches, or notice your teeth looking worn? You may be experiencing bruxism—commonly known as teeth grinding. At CTL Dental, we’re here to help our patients protect their smiles and find lasting relief.
What is Bruxism, we hear you ask?
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, which occurs most often during sleep but can happen during the day too. It’s more common than many people realise, affecting up to 6.5 million people in the UK! While the occasional clenching may not cause harm, persistent grinding can lead to serious dental and health issues. As ideally, our teeth are only supposed to contact for less than an hour a day!
What are the Signs and Symptoms?
Common symptoms of Bruxism include:
Worn or chipped teeth
Increased tooth sensitivity
Jaw pain or stiffness, especially in the morning
Frequent headaches or earaches
Clicking or discomfort in the jaw joint (TMJ – temporomandibular joint)
Bruxism tends to happen unconsciously, and many people don’t realise they’re grinding until damage is visible. Some people only know because their partner tells them they could hear them grinding their teeth during the night.
What Causes Bruxism?
There isn’t a single cause, but common triggers can include:
Stress and anxiety – emotional tension often shows up physically as jaw clenching (this tends to be the most common trigger)
Sleep disorders – such as snoring or sleep apnoea
Misaligned bite or dental issues – teeth that don’t fit together properly can encourage grinding
Lifestyle factors – caffeine, alcohol, smoking or certain medications can increase risk (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRI’s)
Why Treatment Matters
Left untreated, Bruxism can cause enamel wear and fractures in your teeth. It can lead to gum recession, and even temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which makes chewing and speaking painful. It can also disturb sleep quality for both patients and their partners. In some cases, it can cause referred pain, so severe that people believe they may need dental extractions.
How can CTL Dental Help
At CTL Dental, we take a gentle, personalised approach to bruxism care:
Comprehensive assessment – we examine teeth, bite, and jaw function to identify signs of grinding. (We do this at every Oral Hygiene Assessment!)
Custom-made occlusal splints (night guards) – these protect teeth and reduce muscle strain. (This would involve getting a scan and awaiting delivery from the lab)
Jaw relaxation therapies – advice on stress management, posture, and relaxation techniques. If you’d like some exercises, please ask the team and we can send some through for you.
Occasionally More Advanced Treatments - where the bite is realigned on all teeth.
Image of night bite guard - Image created by Copilot
Our goal is to protect your teeth, ease discomfort, and restore confidence in your smile.
In summary, Bruxism is more than just a bad habit—it’s a condition that can affect your dental health and overall wellbeing. If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth, don’t wait until damage occurs. Ask your clinician at your next appointment, where we can either plan and advise what measures to take.
References:
Comments