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Teeth Grinding at Night? Here’s How to Protect Your Smile
Medically reviewed by Dr Theodora Bravi
Founder & Specialist Prosthodontist
- Last updated August 2026
In 30 seconds…
Teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, can wear down teeth, cause jaw discomfort and lead to broken fillings or crowns over time. Many people are not aware they grind until a dentist spots the signs or a partner notices the noise at night. At Thames Dental & Skin in Thames Ditton, Surrey, our dentists can assess whether you are grinding your teeth and suggest ways to protect your smile and ease jaw symptoms.
Table of Contents
Common signs of teeth grinding
You may be grinding or clenching your teeth if you notice:
- Jaw ache or stiffness, especially in the morning
- Headaches around the temples or behind the eyes
- Teeth that look shorter, flatter or chipped
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks
- Tightness in the jaw when you wake or during the day
- A partner mentioning grinding noises while you sleep
If these signs sound familiar, it is sensible to have your teeth and jaw checked so any damage can be limited and future wear reduced.
What causes teeth grinding and clenching?
Bruxism does not usually have a single cause. Common contributing factors include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Concentrating intensely, such as when working or driving
- Sleep disorders or disrupted sleep
- An uneven bite or certain teeth taking more force
- Caffeine, alcohol or some medications
- A history of tooth wear or jaw problems
Your dentist will consider all these factors when advising on the best way to protect your teeth and manage your symptoms.
Is bruxism serious?
Occasional mild grinding may not cause long-term harm, but regular, forceful grinding or clenching can:
- Wear away enamel and expose the softer dentine underneath
- Increase the risk of chips, cracks and broken fillings or crowns
- Cause jaw joint discomfort or clicking
- Lead to frequent headaches or facial pain
Addressing bruxism early in Thames Ditton can help prevent more extensive tooth wear and the need for complex restorative work later on.
When to see a dentist at Thames Dental & Skin
You should consider a bruxism assessment if:
- You wake with jaw ache, stiffness or headaches
- Your teeth are becoming shorter, flatter or more sensitive
- Fillings, crowns or veneers keep breaking or coming loose
- Someone has told you that you grind your teeth at night
- You often clench your teeth when concentrating or stressed
You can book a teeth grinding consultation online in Thames Ditton or contact us to speak to our reception team about the most suitable appointment.
How we assess smile concerns at Thames Dental & Skin
At your appointment, your dentist will ask about your symptoms, daily routine, sleep and any recent changes in stress levels. They will examine your teeth, gums and jaw joints, looking for patterns of wear, notches, cracks and signs of muscle overuse.
They may gently feel the muscles around your jaw and temples, and check how your teeth meet when you bite together. Dental X-rays can also be useful to review any existing restorations and the health of the supporting bone before planning protective or restorative treatment.
Treatment options for teeth grinding in Thames Ditton
Treatment focuses on protecting your teeth, easing muscle strain and, where possible, addressing contributing factors. At Thames Dental & Skin, options may include:
- Custom nightguard (occlusal splint) – a tailored, removable appliance worn over the teeth at night to cushion and redistribute forces, helping to protect teeth, fillings and crowns.
- Adjusting or restoring worn teeth – composite bonding, fillings or crowns to rebuild tooth shape and improve how the teeth meet, reducing high spots.
- Advice on habits and stress – guidance on avoiding daytime clenching, plus simple relaxation strategies and signposting where appropriate.
- Referral or combined care – in some cases, working alongside other healthcare professionals if jaw or sleep problems are more complex.
Your dentist will explain how each option works, how long it usually takes to get used to a nightguard, and what results you can realistically expect.
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Looking after your teeth if you grind
Even with a nightguard, good daily care remains important. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth and attending regular check-ups and hygiene visits will all help to keep your mouth healthy and reduce the risk of problems linked to tooth wear.
If you know certain situations make you clench more (such as long drives, intense work or gym sessions), your dentist may suggest simple reminders and techniques to relax your jaw and keep your teeth slightly apart when you are awake.
Why choose Thames Dental & Skin for smile confidence in Thames Ditton?
Thames Dental & Skin offers a thoughtful, joined-up approach to bruxism, focusing on both protecting your teeth and easing day-to-day symptoms. Our dentists in Thames Ditton, Surrey take time to understand your lifestyle and concerns and then create a practical plan that fits around you.
With a convenient location on Portsmouth Road (KT7 0XX) and a range of restorative and protective treatments, we welcome patients from across Surrey who are worried about teeth grinding or clenching. You can book a teeth grinding consultation online or contact us to speak to our friendly reception team.
Your expert: Dr Theodora Bravi
Dr Theodora Bravi is founder and clinical lead at Thames Dental & Skin. Trained at Guy’s and King’s College Hospitals, with a background in Harley Street and over 25 years practising in Thames Ditton, she combines restorative and cosmetic dentistry with facial aesthetics, skin health and functional health diagnostics.
Key takeaways
Teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, can happen without you realising it, particularly during sleep. While occasional grinding may not cause significant problems, regular or forceful grinding can gradually damage your teeth and contribute to jaw discomfort and headaches.
The key things to remember about teeth grinding are:
- Bruxism can happen during the day or at night, and many people are unaware they are grinding or clenching their teeth.
- Common signs include jaw stiffness, morning headaches, tooth sensitivity, chipped or worn teeth, and grinding noises during sleep.
- Stress, anxiety, disrupted sleep, an uneven bite, caffeine, alcohol and certain medications can contribute to teeth grinding.
- Ongoing grinding can wear down enamel and increase the risk of chips, cracks and damage to fillings, crowns or veneers.
- A custom nightguard can help protect your teeth by cushioning them and redistributing the forces created by grinding and clenching.
- Early assessment can help limit further damage, particularly if you are already experiencing tooth wear, jaw discomfort or recurring problems with dental restorations.
At Thames Dental & Skin in Thames Ditton, a bruxism assessment can identify signs of tooth wear, jaw strain and other effects of grinding. Your dentist can then recommend an appropriate approach, which may include a custom nightguard, restoring worn teeth, and practical advice to help reduce daytime clenching.
Related insights from Thames
FAQs
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, often without realising it. It can happen during the day or at night (sleep bruxism) and may lead to tooth wear, jaw discomfort and headaches over time.
Many people are unaware they grind their teeth while sleeping. Common signs include waking with jaw pain or stiffness, frequent headaches, tooth sensitivity, or a partner hearing grinding noises during the night. A dentist can confirm signs of grinding during an examination.
Bruxism can have several contributing factors, including stress and anxiety, poor sleep, an uneven bite, caffeine or alcohol intake, and certain medications. Often, it is a combination of these factors rather than a single cause.
Occasional grinding may not cause serious issues, but frequent or severe bruxism can wear down enamel, chip or crack teeth, damage fillings or crowns, and lead to jaw joint problems (TMJ disorders) if left untreated.
Yes, treatment focuses on protecting your teeth and reducing symptoms. This may include a custom-made nightguard, restoring worn teeth, and advice on managing stress or habits that contribute to clenching.
A nightguard is a custom-made appliance worn over your teeth while you sleep. It cushions the teeth, reduces pressure on the jaw and helps prevent further damage from grinding or clenching.
A nightguard does not usually stop the grinding itself, but it protects your teeth and reduces strain on your jaw muscles. It is one of the most effective ways to prevent damage caused by bruxism.
You should see a dentist if you experience jaw pain, headaches, tooth sensitivity, or notice your teeth becoming worn or chipped. Early assessment can help prevent more serious dental problems.
Yes, stress and anxiety are among the most common causes of bruxism. Many people clench or grind their teeth during periods of tension, often without realising it.
Be mindful of clenching, especially during stressful or focused activities. Keeping your teeth slightly apart, relaxing your jaw, and practising stress-reducing techniques can help minimise daytime grinding.
