Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is the involuntary grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth. It can occur both while awake and asleep, though many people are unaware of it until symptoms appear. Signs may include jaw tightness, morning headaches, or damage to the teeth such as wear, chips, or cracks. Causes are varied and may involve stress, sleep disorders, misaligned teeth, or lifestyle factors. While mild cases may not require treatment, persistent or severe bruxism can lead to ongoing discomfort or dental issues, and may benefit from professional management.

Management options depend on individual circumstances. Common treatments include:

• Doctor-prescribed treatment options where clinically appropriate
  
• Custom dental night guards, which protect teeth from grinding damage
• Physiotherapy or stress management strategies, if tension or anxiety are contributing factors
• Sleep disorder management, where bruxism is linked to conditions such as sleep apnoea

Not every treatment is suitable for everyone. A consultation with a qualified doctor is important to determine which options may be appropriate in your case.

Medical management depends on the cause and severity of bruxism. Where prescription treatment is clinically appropriate, the doctor will explain how it works, the expected duration, risks, alternatives and follow-up before any treatment is recommended.

The effect typically develops over several days and may last for a few months. Side effects can include temporary discomfort at the injection site, mild weakness in chewing strength, or temporary asymmetry in facial appearance. Not everyone responds in the same way, and results vary.

A consultation appointment typically lasts 30 minutes. If a medical procedure is recommended, the clinician will explain the expected appointment time and recovery.

The duration of any prescription treatment varies between individuals, and repeat treatment may or may not be appropriate depending on clinical review. Night guards, in contrast, require ongoing nightly use and occasional adjustments by a dentist. Your doctor will provide a plan tailored to your situation

All medical treatments carry potential risks. Where prescription treatment is being considered, the doctor will discuss relevant risks, contraindications, alternatives and follow-up before any treatment is recommended.

Night guards are non-invasive but require adjustment to ensure a good fit, and some people find them uncomfortable at first.

Your doctor will explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives during your consultation, so you can make an informed choice about your care.

Suitability depends on your medical history, overall health and bruxism severity. Some prescription treatments are not appropriate in pregnancy, breastfeeding or certain medical conditions. In these cases, a night guard or another management strategy may be recommended.

A consultation allows your doctor to review your circumstances and tailor advice specifically to you. Providing a full medical history and details of any current medications helps ensure safety.

If injections are recommended, the procedure involves a few small injections into the jaw muscles. Discomfort is usually minimal and short-lived. Most people can resume normal daily activities immediately.

Temporary side effects—such as mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising—may occur. The effect of the injections develops gradually over a few days to weeks. Your doctor will provide aftercare instructions and may arrange a follow-up review.

It’s important to note that treatment outcomes vary. Some people experience significant relief, while others may require additional strategies such as night guards or stress management.