Busy London lives and long commutes can mean a lot of stress. For some people, that shows up as clenching or grinding their teeth, often at night and often without realising. The medical term is bruxism.

Signs to look out for

• Aching jaw muscles or headaches on waking.
• Teeth that look flat, chipped or shorter than before.
• Sensitive teeth or cracked fillings.
• A partner hearing grinding noises at night.
• Clicking or discomfort in the jaw joint.

Common contributing factors

Stress and anxiety, caffeine and alcohol, smoking, some medicines and disrupted sleep are all linked with bruxism. If you also snore heavily or feel very tired during the day, mention this to your GP, as grinding sometimes occurs alongside sleep-disordered breathing.

How we can help

• Examination: we check for wear, cracks and tension in the jaw muscles, and may photograph teeth to monitor changes over time.
• Night guard: a custom-made splint can protect teeth from wear. It does not cure grinding, but it can reduce damage.
• Repairing damage: fillings or crowns may be needed where teeth have broken down.

Things you can try

• Notice daytime clenching and relax your jaw: lips together, teeth apart.
• Reduce caffeine later in the day.
• Build in wind-down time before bed.

If your symptoms continue, book a check-up so we can assess your teeth and talk you through the options.

Contact Dental Wellness Finchley Road

Dental Wellness Finchley Road, 106 Finchley Rd, South Hampstead, London NW3 5JJ.

Call 020 3813 3848, message us on WhatsApp (07522 141064), email smile@dentalwellnessfinchleyroad.co.uk or book online.