How Do I Stop Grinding And Clenching My Teeth?

Grinding and clenching your teeth can be a real problem. Not only does it mean potentially damaging your smile, but you could also harm the delicate tissues of your mouth, teeth and gums – as well as cause headaches and jaw pain.

Thankfully, there are ways we can help. As professional London dentists, we encourage patients in and around the capital to manage every aspect of their smiles, from how it looks to how healthy it is. Today, we’ll talk about bruxism – the medical term for teeth grinding – and how to solve it.

Why do I clench my teeth?

People can do this consciously or subconsciously, even while they’re asleep (called sleep bruxism). Bruxism can happen when we feel stressed, anxious or tense, or even out of habit. It might also be a coping mechanism for some psychological factors. Sometimes, there isn’t a known cause or reason.

Why is clenching and grinding bad for my smile?

The most common side-effect of bruxism is tooth wear, but it can also cause wear to the gums; lead to headaches and jaw pain to develop; and develop disorders of the jaw and bite.

How do I know if I have it?

Bruxism can be diagnosed by a dentist (like us) or a doctor. But you may have symptoms like:

– Flattened, fractured, chipped or loose teeth

– Worn tooth enamel and/or sensitivity in your smile

– Pain in the jaw, face, neck, head or ears

– Tight jaw muscles that may ‘lock’ open or closed

– Disrupted sleep patterns

Who is prone to developing bruxism?

Anyone can get it, but if you’re stressed or anxious, it can be more commonplace. There are also genetic links, so if other family members have the condition, it might make you more susceptible. Finally, medications, drugs, and even things like caffeine and alcohol can increase your risk.

How can I treat the condition?

We can use anti-wrinkle injections to treat bruxism temporarily, in a treatment known as masseter Botox. That’s because the active ingredient reduces muscle movement. Effects typically last 3-4 months and can be topped up when needed to prolong results. Anti-wrinkle injections, or masseter Botox injections, are safe, effective and lasting.

How do I stop grinding and clenching my teeth?

Talk to us. Our expert team of dentists based right here in London can advise you on ways to crack the condition, as well as administer treatments like anti-wrinkle injections. It’s all to help you have a healthy, happy smile – for life.