If you frequently wake with a sore face, a headache, or a clicking jaw, you might be one of the millions in the UK unconsciously grinding or clenching your teeth. Known medically as bruxism, this involuntary habit is far more common than many realise, with experts noting it affects a significant portion of the population.
The Silent Habit: Recognising the Signs of Bruxism
Bruxism often happens without our knowledge, both during the day and at night. One in four people do it while awake, and nearly one in six during sleep. The nocturnal version can be noisy enough for a partner to notice, but many suffer in silence, only recognising the problem through its consequences.
Dental and public health experts Arosha Weerakoon from The University of Queensland and Amit Arora from Western Sydney University highlight key questions to ask yourself. Do you, at least weekly, experience soreness in your temples, face, jaw, or near your ears? Feel pain when chewing or opening your mouth? Or notice your jaw locking, clicking, or getting stuck? A single "yes" could indicate bruxism.
Your dentist can often spot the tell-tale signs. These include teeth or fillings that are chipped or unusually worn down, white ridges inside the cheeks, and scallop-shaped marks on the tongue from pressure. They will also look for receded gums and loose teeth.
Unravelling the Causes: From Stress to Sleep Disorders
The reasons behind teeth grinding are typically a complex mix of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Stress, anxiety, and depression are major contributors. Certain medications, particularly some used for mental health conditions, can also play a role.
Lifestyle habits are significant, with excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol consumption increasing risk. Disrupted sleep, even from something as simple as a phone notification, can be a trigger.
A critical and strong link exists with sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, depriving the body of oxygen. This low oxygen level triggers stress hormones, leading to muscle spasms and increased grinding. Furthermore, people who suffer from acid reflux may find their teeth wear down much faster if they also grind, as stomach acid softens the protective enamel.
Managing and Treating the Grind: A Multifaceted Approach
The good news is that bruxism is highly manageable. The first step is consulting your doctor or dentist to identify underlying causes. Your GP can review medications and investigate conditions like reflux, arthritis, or sleep apnoea.
For diagnosis of sleep-related grinding, a polysomnograph test remains the gold standard. Your doctor may recommend this after assessing your fatigue levels and sleep quality.
Treatment often involves a team approach:
- Dentists may fit a custom-made night guard or occlusal splint to protect teeth from wear and ease muscle tension.
- Physiotherapists specialising in jaw pain can provide tailored exercises to alleviate clicking, locking, and tension headaches.
- Pain-relieving medication can offer short-term relief for acute symptoms.
When these methods are insufficient, some consider Botox injections to paralyse specific jaw muscles, reducing clenching force. However, this is an expensive, short-acting solution requiring repeated treatments by a specialist.
The crucial takeaway is that splints and painkillers treat the symptoms, not the root cause. Therefore, addressing lifestyle factors is paramount. Reducing stress, improving sleep hygiene, cutting back on stimulants like caffeine, and keeping devices out of the bedroom can significantly improve outcomes, helping to avoid both pain and costly dental repairs.
