Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a common problem that often happens at night or during stressful situations. Many people don’t even know they grind their teeth until a dentist notices uneven wear or a partner hears the grinding sounds at night.
If left untreated, teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, tooth fractures, headaches, and long-term wear of tooth enamel. At York House Dental Practice in West Byfleet, Surrey, preventative care is provided to protect your smile and stop damage before it worsens.
Signs of Teeth Grinding
- Worn, chipped, or flattened teeth
- Jaw tension, soreness, or clicking when opening the mouth
- Morning headaches or earaches
- Tooth sensitivity
- Sleep disturbances noticed by a partner
Treatment Options
1. Custom Night Guards (Mouthguards)
- Clear, comfortable device worn at night
- Prevents teeth from grinding against each other
- Custom-made for a perfect fit at York House Dental Practice
2. Stress Management Advice
- Teeth grinding is often linked to anxiety or stress
- Relaxation techniques, lifestyle adjustments, and jaw exercises may help reduce grinding
3. Dental Correction
- In severe cases where tooth shape contributes to bruxism, reshaping or restorative dentistry may help
- Treatments can include crowns or orthodontics if teeth are misaligned
Procedure Steps for Night Guard Treatment
- Dental consultation and bite examination
- Impressions taken to design a custom-fit night guard
- Guard fitted and adjusted for comfort
- Follow-up visits to check long-term effectiveness
Duration
- Consultation takes about 30 minutes
- Guard is usually ready within 1–2 weeks
- Worn nightly for long-term protection
Cost Factors
The cost of treatment depends on:
- Type of guard (basic vs. custom-made)
- Material used (soft vs. hard acrylic)
- Complexity of underlying issues (teeth alignment, jaw problems)
Ideal Patients
- People who wake up with sore jaws or headaches
- Patients with chipped or worn teeth
- People under high stress or who clench during the day
- Children and teens with developing bites (monitored carefully)
Patient Feedback
- “My jaw felt better within a week of using the guard.”
- “The headaches I had in the mornings are gone.”
- “The night guard fit so well, I got used to it quickly.”
Possible Side Effects
- Temporary adjustment period during the first few nights
- Slight drooling or tightness at first
- Rare cases of irritation if not fitted correctly (easily solved with adjustments)
Benefits of Preventative Care for Grinding
- Protects teeth from cracking or breaking
- Reduces jaw pain and pressure
- Stops headaches caused by clenching
- Improves sleep quality for both patient and partner
- Saves money by preventing crowns, root canals, or implants later
👉 Preventing damage is always easier than repairing it. With a simple custom night guard and the right care, you can protect your teeth from years of hidden wear.
