But what is bruxism, and what can we do to manage it? Find everything you need to know below.
It’s usually an involuntary response, and it can happen when we’re awake or asleep. Bruxism while awake and sleep bruxism are thought of as two distinct conditions, with daytime teeth grinding considered to be the most common.
It’s worth remembering that you might not realise you grind your teeth while asleep. It’s not always simple to know precisely how many people experience sleep bruxism.3 It’s thought to be most common in younger children and adolescents, although people of any age can experience bruxism.4Some of these symptoms may cease when you stop grinding your teeth. However, if you are concerned, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or dentist.
Like we mentioned above, it’s not always easy to know if you are grinding your teeth. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or someone has let you know that you grind your teeth, it’s worth speaking to your doctor or dentist.
Dentists will be able to help with any tooth damage and may provide a guard or splint to protect against future damage.13 If you are concerned about stress or anxiety, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor. Reducing stress and getting into a healthy sleep routine may help to treat your bruxism. However, it will, of course, depend on the underlying cause.14Last updated: 6 November 2020