Teeth Grinding Treatment
Learn why teeth grinding and jaw clenching happen, why your dentist is the right first step, and how our medical team may help ease tired, overworked jaw muscles.
RQIA Registered | Doctor- and Nurse-Led | Complimentary Consultation
WHO IT AFFECTS
Many adults, often unaware
COMMON CAUSES
Stress and poor sleep
FIRST STEP
See your dentist
IN CLINIC
Complimentary consultation
What is teeth grinding (bruxism)?
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. It can happen during the day, often without you noticing, or at night while you sleep, when a partner may be the first to hear it. It is common, and for many people it comes and goes with periods of stress.
Because the jaw muscles work far harder than they are designed to, bruxism can lead to aching jaw muscles; headaches when you wake; tooth sensitivity; worn, chipped or cracked teeth; and pain or clicking around the jaw joint. Over time the masseter muscles at the angle of the jaw can also become larger from constant use.
Teeth grinding becomes a concern when it damages your teeth, causes ongoing pain or disturbs your sleep. Your dentist is the right first step, as they can check for wear and fit a mouthguard to protect your teeth. At our clinics in Coleraine and Derry/Londonderry, teeth grinding treatment may be considered alongside your dentist’s care for adults whose jaw muscles remain overactive.
What causes teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding rarely has a single cause. Stress is the most common trigger, but sleep, lifestyle and some medicines can all play a part, and understanding yours helps you and your dentist choose the right approach.
Stress and anxiety
The most common trigger. Many people clench their jaw when they concentrate, feel under pressure or are worried, and the habit often carries on into sleep.
Sleep problems
Night-time grinding is linked with disturbed sleep and conditions such as snoring and sleep apnoea.
Lifestyle factors
Caffeine, alcohol and smoking can all make grinding more likely, particularly when they are part of your evening routine.
Medicines
Some medicines, including certain antidepressants, can cause grinding as a side effect.
Treatments for teeth grinding at A Aesthetics
Your dentist should always be your first port of call, as protecting your teeth comes first. Where the jaw muscles stay overactive despite a mouthguard and self-care, these are the options our medical team may discuss with you.
Teeth grinding consultation
A face-to-face consultation with a doctor or nurse prescriber for adults with persistent bruxism, alongside their dentist’s care. We assess the jaw muscles and talk through the options that may suit you.
Neck and shoulder consultation
Clenching often comes with tight, raised shoulders and neck tension. Where this persists despite physiotherapy, we can assess it at the same consultation.
Your medical assessment
We review your symptoms, your medical history and what you have already tried. You leave with an honest plan, which may or may not include treatment with us.
Everyday tips for managing teeth grinding
Protect your teeth at night
Ask your dentist about a custom-made mouthguard or splint. Worn at night, it protects your teeth from wear, even though it does not stop the grinding itself.
Notice daytime clenching
Aim for lips together, teeth apart and jaw relaxed. Setting a few gentle reminders during the day can help you catch the habit while you work or drive.
Wind down in the evening
Cut back on caffeine and alcohol later in the day, avoid chewing gum, and build in a calming routine before bed, such as a warm bath, stretching or breathing exercises.
Ease sore jaw muscles
A warm compress held against the jaw, softer foods for a few days and gentle jaw massage can relieve aching.
Teeth grinding FAQs
How do I know if I grind my teeth?
Common signs include a sore or tired jaw when you wake, headaches or earache, sensitive or worn teeth, and a partner hearing grinding at night. Your dentist can often spot wear on your teeth before you notice any symptoms.
Should I see my dentist first?
Yes. Your dentist can check for damage, fit a mouthguard to protect your teeth and look for dental causes. We see teeth grinding treatment as something that may help alongside that care, not instead of it.
Can teeth grinding be prevented?
It cannot always be prevented, but managing stress, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol in the evening, not smoking and noticing daytime clenching all reduce how often it happens.
What happens at the consultation?
It starts with a face-to-face consultation with a doctor or nurse prescriber, who assesses your jaw muscles and talks through the options that may suit you, alongside your dentist’s care. See our teeth grinding consultation page for more detail.
Is treatment suitable for everyone?
No. Suitability depends on your medical history, any medication you take and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Jaw joint problems may also need assessment by your dentist first. We review your medical history carefully and will be honest if treatment is not right for you.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
Yes. If you also carry tension in your neck and shoulders, we can assess that at the same consultation, and you can read more about neck pain.
How do I book?
Start with a complimentary consultation at our Coleraine or Derry/Londonderry clinic, or call us on 028 7051 2101.
Related concerns
YOUR FIRST STEP
Begin with a complimentary consultation
Sit down with one of our medical team, talk through what you would like to change, and leave with an honest, personalised plan. No cost, no pressure, and no obligation to book.
Treatments are for adults aged 18 and over and are only offered after a face-to-face consultation.
DERRY/LONDONDERRY
50 Victoria Gate
Derry, BT47 2TP
07702 529535
COLERAINE
6–8 Dunmore Street
Coleraine, BT52 1EL
028 7051 2101
RQIA Registered | contact@aaesthetics.net
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