Dentists across the United Kingdom are reporting a noticeable increase in bruxism among younger patients, a condition characterised by habitual teeth grinding or clenching that can lead to pain, dental damage and disrupted sleep. Personal accounts, such as that of 31‑year‑old Ella, illustrate how the habit can escalate from mild discomfort to serious oral health issues, prompting sufferers to seek interventions ranging from mouthguards to muscle‑relaxing injections. While experts estimate that nearly one in four people may experience bruxism at some point, many remain unaware until symptoms emerge, underscoring the need for greater awareness and a holistic approach to treatment.
Understanding Bruxism and Its Warning Signs
Bruxism is an umbrella term that covers four distinct jaw movements: clenching, grinding, bracing and thrusting. Some individuals grind only during sleep, others do so throughout the day, and the intensity varies widely. Common indicators include worn, chipped or flattened teeth, morning headaches or facial pain, jaw stiffness, disrupted sleep leading to daytime tiredness, heightened tooth sensitivity, and earache or temple pain without an obvious infection. Ella described her experience vividly: I was in so much pain,
she says. My face was changing shape and my teeth were at risk of breaking – I knew I had to do something about it.
Despite the prevalence of the condition, precise figures remain elusive. The British Dental Association notes only anecdotal evidence of a rise, while studies suggest that roughly 25 % of the population may be affected, although many are unaware until a dentist points out the wear on their teeth.
Stress, Anxiety and the Jaw‑Brain Connection
Health professionals repeatedly point to stress as a major driver of bruxism. Dr Aditi Desai, president of the British Society of Dental Sleep Medicine (BSDSM), observes: It is definitely on the rise,
she says. And it’s no surprise given that life itself nowadays can be so stressful.
Psychotherapist Rahi Popat explains the physiological pathway: A way of releasing some of the stress
Trauma and stress can put you in fight or flight
mode, where your heart rate increases, you release adrenaline, and your muscles tense, preparing the body for an external threat, he says. And because the jaw and the nervous system are so closely linked through the major cranial nerves, our muscles are triggered and we clench and grind our teeth. If we do it overnight, it’s a way of our bodies releasing some of the stress and tension we might have felt through the day,
Popat adds.
Ella herself links her grinding to anxiety: I know it’s to do with my stress levels,
Ella says. I have high functioning anxiety – you wouldn’t think it if you met me.
I’m busy, and I go out a lot to mask it.
She initially tolerated the discomfort, but a warning from her dentist about her molars being at risk prompted her to seek treatment.
Treatment Options: From Mouthguards to Multidisciplinary Care
Management of bruxism begins with protecting the teeth. A night‑time mouthguard can prevent further wear, but experts caution that simply dispensing a guard without investigating the underlying cause misses an opportunity to address contributing factors. Dr Aditi Desai stresses: Too often,
she says, dentists give out mouthguards without checking why it is happening.
It’s vital that serious, underlying conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are considered, she says.
OSA, caused by a blocked airway, may trigger grinding as the body attempts to reopen the passage for breathing.
For Ella, conventional measures were insufficient. She opted for botulinum toxin injections into her masseter muscles, a procedure not routinely funded by the NHS. Even though it’s not routinely offered on the NHS, Ella decided to pay her dentist to inject Botox into her masseter muscles – the ones that control her jaw.
The treatment relaxed the muscles, eased facial tension and is expected to last three to four months. She reports: Over the past few months I’ve been able to sleep properly,
she says. I’ve got so much more energy in the mornings, the pain has reduced and my face is not as square.
Dentists such as Dr Simon Cove use advanced imaging to assess damage. Often people are not even aware they are doing it, but then we get to see the damage,
he says. If the teeth have been worn down to such an extent, treatment can be extremely complex and can cost thousands of pounds.
He notes that severe cases are relatively uncommon but can develop over years.
Dr Riaz Yar, a prosthodontics specialist, advocates a biopsychosocial model. We take into account their sleep patterns, their diet, their weight, the amount they exercise, what medication they might be taking and we assess for signs of sleep disorders,
he says. Many factors can contribute to a patient grinding their teeth, so addressing the condition requires a multidisciplinary approach.
This may involve physiotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise, reduced alcohol intake, smoking cessation and improved nutrition, and, when sleep apnoea is present, devices like CPAP machines or mandibular advancement devices.
Potential Benefits and the Complexity of Bruxism
While bruxism is often framed negatively, some researchers suggest it may serve certain physiological functions. Prof Frank Lobbezoo, a leading researcher in the field, highlights a possible protective role: That’s a very good example of why bruxism can keep you alive,
says Prof Frank Lobbezoo, a leading researcher on the condition. He also notes that jaw movement stimulates saliva production: Bruxism is also important for the production of saliva,
Lobbezoo says. Moving the jaw muscles activates the big salivary glands. It cleans the mouth, it protects the teeth and it’s vital for digestion.
Some studies indicate that the activity might support cognition by increasing blood flow to the brain, a finding observed in animals and now being explored in humans.
Nevertheless, the downsides—chronic pain, dental deterioration, sleep disruption—can significantly impair quality of life. Ella’s post‑treatment reflection captures the shift she hopes to achieve: Having treatment has transformed my life,
Ella says, now I want to try and figure out the root cause.
Why it Matters
The growing recognition of bruxism as a stress‑related, multifaceted disorder highlights the intersection of dental health, mental wellbeing and sleep medicine. Ignoring the habit risks irreversible tooth damage, costly restorative work and persistent discomfort that can affect daily performance and emotional health. Conversely, identifying bruxism early opens the door to interventions that not only protect the smile but also uncover underlying anxieties or sleep disorders, offering patients a chance to improve their overall health. As more young people present with symptoms, the dental community’s shift toward comprehensive, patient‑centred care becomes not just beneficial but essential.
