Teeth Grinding in Epsom:
Bruxism Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Waking up with jaw pain, headaches, or worn-down teeth? You may be grinding your teeth without knowing it. At Epsom Smiles, we can diagnose bruxism and protect your teeth before serious damage is done.
Cracked or broken tooth from grinding? Call us for a same-day emergency appointment: 01372 679192. We'll assess the damage and relieve your pain.
Teeth Grinding Is More Common Than You Think — and More Damaging
Teeth grinding (bruxism) affects an estimated 8–10% of adults in the UK, though many never realise they do it — especially when it happens during sleep. The forces involved in grinding can be up to ten times greater than normal chewing, which is why it can cause significant damage over time.
The good news: once identified, bruxism is very manageable. A custom-made night guard protects your teeth from further wear, and addressing the underlying causes — stress, bite misalignment, or sleep issues — can reduce the habit itself.
If grinding has already caused a toothache or cracked tooth, read our guide to toothache in Epsom or contact us for an emergency appointment — these may need more urgent treatment.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Bruxism rarely has a single cause — it's usually a combination of factors working together.
Stress & Anxiety
The most common trigger. Emotional stress causes jaw muscle tension, especially at night. Many people grind more during stressful periods at work or in their personal lives — and stop when the stress eases.
Bite Misalignment (Malocclusion)
When your upper and lower teeth don't meet evenly, the jaw muscles can overwork trying to find a comfortable resting position. This creates a grinding or clenching pattern that may persist even during sleep.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep bruxism is strongly linked to disrupted sleep patterns, particularly obstructive sleep apnoea. Micro-arousals during the night trigger rhythmic jaw muscle activity — grinding episodes that the sleeper is unaware of.
Lifestyle Factors
Excessive caffeine intake, alcohol consumption, smoking, and recreational drug use (particularly stimulants) are all associated with increased bruxism. Reducing or eliminating these can significantly help.
Medications
Certain medications — particularly some antidepressants (SSRIs), antipsychotics, and stimulant medications for ADHD — can cause or worsen bruxism as a side effect. If you suspect this, speak to your GP.
Habit & Posture
Daytime clenching often starts as an unconscious habit — concentrating at a screen, driving, or exercising. Poor head and neck posture can also contribute by altering the resting position of the jaw.
Sleep Bruxism vs Awake Bruxism
Teeth grinding happens in two distinct forms — each with different causes and management approaches.
Sleep Bruxism
Happens unconsciously during sleep — you may not know you do it until a partner notices, or your dentist spots the wear patterns. Associated with sleep disruption and micro-arousals. Usually involves rhythmic grinding movements. A custom night guard is the primary protection, along with addressing sleep quality and stress.
Awake Bruxism
Involves clenching (more than grinding) during waking hours — typically during concentration, stress, or physical effort. Many people are unaware they do it until jaw pain or headaches become persistent. Management focuses on awareness techniques, posture correction, and stress reduction, sometimes combined with a daytime splint.
Already noticing damage? If you can see flat, worn tooth surfaces, chips on your front teeth, or cracks in fillings — the grinding has been going on for some time. Book an appointment now to prevent further damage and protect what's left.
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth
Most people don't realise they grind. Watch for these telltale signs:
- Waking up with a sore jaw, stiff neck, or dull headache, especially around the temples
- Worn, flat, or shortened teeth that may look chipped or uneven along the biting edges
- Tooth sensitivity that has gradually worsened, particularly to cold drinks or air
- Cracked or fractured teeth or fillings, especially repeated fractures in the same area
- Clicking, popping, or pain in the jaw joint (TMJ) when opening wide or chewing
- Indentations on the tongue or ridging on the inside of the cheeks from habitual clenching
- A partner reporting grinding noises during the night that you're unaware of
- Earache-like pain with no underlying ear infection
How We Treat Teeth Grinding at Epsom Smiles
Treatment starts with understanding the type, severity, and cause of your bruxism. We'll examine your teeth for wear patterns, assess your bite, and check your jaw joint — then recommend a plan tailored to you.
- Custom-made night guard (occlusal splint). A precisely fitted guard worn during sleep that absorbs the grinding forces and prevents further tooth damage. Far more effective than over-the-counter options because it's made from impressions of your teeth for an exact fit.
- Bite assessment and adjustment. If an uneven bite is contributing, we can identify high spots and adjust the way your teeth meet. This reduces the muscle tension that drives grinding.
- Repair of existing damage. Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth may need composite bonding, crowns, or replacement fillings. We'll stabilise the grinding first, then restore what's been damaged.
- Jaw muscle relaxation and Botox. We can guide you through exercises and awareness techniques to relieve tension in the masseter and temporalis muscles. For more persistent cases, Botox injections into the jaw muscles can significantly reduce clenching force and provide lasting relief.
- Referral where needed. If we suspect sleep apnoea, TMJ disorder, or medication-related bruxism, we'll refer you to the right specialist for further investigation.
Not sure whether your symptoms are from grinding? A check-up is the quickest way to find out. Our new patient check-up is currently 50% off — we'll assess your teeth, bite, and jaw in one appointment.
Why Choose Epsom Smiles Dental?
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Custom Night Guards — Not One-Size-Fits-All
We take precise impressions so your guard fits perfectly and is comfortable enough to actually wear. A well-made guard is the single most effective way to prevent grinding damage.
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Thorough Bite and Jaw Assessment
We don't just hand you a guard and send you home. We examine how your teeth meet, check your jaw joint for clicking or tenderness, and look for the underlying causes — not just the symptoms.
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Restorative Options to Fix the Damage
If grinding has already worn down or cracked your teeth, we can restore them with bonding, veneers, or crowns — once the grinding itself is managed to prevent repeated damage.
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New Patients Always Welcome
You don't need to be a registered patient to book. If you suspect you're grinding and want it checked, call us and we'll arrange an appointment.
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Transparent Pricing — Always Explained Before We Begin
No surprises. We'll walk you through the cost of any treatment before we start. Night guard pricing is straightforward, and finance options are available if needed.
"I was waking up every morning with terrible jaw ache and headaches. The team at Epsom Smiles fitted me with a night guard and explained everything clearly. Within a week the pain had stopped completely. Wish I'd gone sooner."Google Review
Teeth Grinding FAQs
Most people find out from a partner who hears the grinding, or from their dentist who spots characteristic wear patterns on the teeth. Common morning signs include jaw soreness, dull headaches around the temples, and stiff neck muscles. If you're noticing any of these regularly, it's worth getting checked.
Yes. Over time, bruxism can wear down enamel significantly, crack teeth, fracture fillings, and cause irreversible damage to the jaw joint (TMJ). The enamel that is ground away cannot regrow. This is why early intervention — typically with a custom night guard — is so important.
A custom night guard (occlusal splint) is a thin, hard or semi-rigid appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth. It doesn't stop you grinding — but it absorbs the grinding forces so your teeth and jaw joint are protected. Most patients find it comfortable within a few nights and notice a significant reduction in jaw pain and headaches.
In short, no. Over-the-counter "boil and bite" guards are not made to measure, which means they offer no real protection and can actually cause more damage to your jaw joints and muscles. Because they're soft and poorly fitted, they often encourage more clenching rather than less. Most are a gimmick that simply doesn't work — money wasted. A custom-made guard from your dentist is precisely fitted from impressions of your teeth, far thinner, genuinely comfortable, and actually does the job it's supposed to do.
Absolutely — stress and anxiety are the most common triggers for bruxism. During stressful periods, jaw muscle tension increases, particularly at night when conscious control is absent. Stress management, relaxation techniques, and exercise can all help reduce grinding alongside dental treatment.
Custom night guards at Epsom Smiles are competitively priced. The exact cost depends on the type of splint recommended. We'll always give you a clear price before starting, and finance options are available. Check our fees page for current pricing or call us to ask.
Yes — bruxism is common in children, particularly during the mixed-dentition phase when baby teeth and adult teeth coexist. Most children grow out of it without treatment. However, if your child frequently complains of jaw pain or headaches, or you notice significant tooth wear, it's worth having them assessed.
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Grinding Your Teeth?
Let's Protect Them Before More Damage Is Done.
A custom night guard is the most effective way to stop grinding damage in its tracks. Book a consultation today — new patients are always welcome and we'll give you a clear plan and price before any treatment begins.
Or email us at enquiries@epsomsmilesdental.co.uk