---
title: "Dentists report rising teeth grinding in younger patients — what causes bruxism and how it’s treated"
id: "news-news-bbc-dental-3e19f442b4e1969e2686c0a0"
canonical_url: "https://medichelpline.com/news/news-news-bbc-dental-3e19f442b4e1969e2686c0a0"
content_type: "medical_news_article"
category: "Dentistry"
source_name: "BBC News — Dentistry"
source_url: "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgwe8dk6z6o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
published_at: "2026-09-12T23:43:52.000Z"
license: "CC-BY-NC-4.0 / Informational Use"
---
# Dentists report rising teeth grinding in younger patients — what causes bruxism and how it’s treated
## Metadata & Source Attribution
- **Canonical URL:** https://medichelpline.com/news/news-news-bbc-dental-3e19f442b4e1969e2686c0a0
- **Category:** [Dentistry](https://medichelpline.com/news/dentistry.md)
- **Reporting Source:** BBC News — Dentistry
- **Original Source URL:** [Read Original Article](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgwe8dk6z6o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)
- **Published At:** 2026-09-12T23:43:52.000Z
## Executive Summary & Key Highlights
- Some dentists in the UK are reporting an increase in younger people presenting with damage from **bruxism**, the umbrella term for clenching, grinding, bracing and thrusting of the jaw. - Studies suggest almost one in four people experience bruxism, though many are unaware until symptoms such as worn teeth, jaw pain or headaches appear. - The British Dental Association says there is anecdotal evidence of a rise but has not published specific figures. - Experts link teeth grinding to stress and trauma, and warn it can be a symptom of other conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). - Treatments range from protective **mouthguards** and physiotherapy to addressing sleep disorders (CPAP, mandibular advancement devices), talking therapies and lifestyle changes; Botox injections to relax the masseter muscle are used privately and may last three to four months. - Severe tooth wear can require complex and costly dental reconstruction, but such extreme cases are described as relatively uncommon and typically develop over years.
## In-Depth Reporting & Editorial Analysis
## Dentists report more young patients with worn teeth and jaw pain Dentists across the UK have reported seeing an increasing number of younger patients with dental damage linked to **bruxism**, the collective term for jaw movements including clenching, grinding, bracing and thrusting. The condition can occur during sleep or while awake and can be mild or severe enough to damage teeth and affect daily life. Published on 12 September 2026, the reporting draws on patient experiences and comments from dental specialists. Some studies cited in the source material suggest nearly one in four people experience bruxism, although many do not realise they do it until symptoms emerge. The British Dental Association has said there is anecdotal evidence that bruxism is becoming more common, but has not given specific figures to quantify the change. ## How patients notice the problem: common symptoms and signs People with bruxism may discover the condition because of visible or symptomatic changes. Typical signs include: - Worn, chipped or flattened teeth - Headaches or facial pain on waking - Jaw stiffness and pain - Disrupted sleep and daytime tiredness - Increased tooth sensitivity - Earache or pain near the temples without an ear infection Some patients do not realise they grind their teeth until a partner reports it, their dentist identifies wear on a 3D scan, or they begin to experience persistent pain. Dr Simon Cove, a practising dentist who uses 3D scanning to assess wear, says patients often are unaware until dental damage is visible. He warns that in extreme cases treatment can be complex and expensive, although such severe outcomes are relatively uncommon and usually develop over years. ## Why jaws may clench: stress, trauma and the nervous system Many clinicians and psychological practitioners link teeth grinding to stress and trauma. Psychotherapist Rahi Popat reports that an increasing number of his clients, particularly younger adults, notice teeth grinding during or after stressful periods. Trauma and stress activate the body's fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate and muscle tension. Because the jaw is connected to the nervous system via major cranial nerves, this tension can manifest as clenching or grinding. For some people, nocturnal grinding serves as a way to discharge stress accumulated during waking hours. Prof Frank Lobbezoo, a researcher on bruxism mentioned in the reporting, also notes that bruxism can have protective or functional roles. Movement of the jaw stimulates saliva production by the major salivary glands, which helps clean the mouth and contributes to digestion. Preliminary research has also suggested a possible cognitive benefit from chewing, though the reporting does not provide detailed study results. ## When bruxism points to another health issue: obstructive sleep apnoea Dental sleep specialists warn that bruxism can sometimes be a response to breathing interruptions during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes partially or fully blocked, and grinding may be an attempt to move the jaw and restore airflow. Dr Aditi Desai, president of the British Society of Dental Sleep Medicine, stresses the importance of considering serious underlying causes such as OSA rather than treating symptoms alone. ## Treatment options and multidisciplinary care Clinicians emphasise both symptom management and investigating root causes. Dentist Riaz Yar describes severe bruxism as a "biopsychosocial" issue that requires assessment of sleep patterns, diet, exercise, medication, weight and other health factors. He recommends a multidisciplinary approach tailored to the individual. Common interventions reported include: - Protective **mouthguards** to reduce wear to teeth during sleep - If bruxism is linked to OSA, therapies such as CPAP machines or mandibular advancement devices (MADs) to keep the airway open - Physiotherapy to relieve muscle tension - Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for stress and anxiety - Lifestyle changes to improve sleep and reduce stress, for example exercise, reducing alcohol, stopping smoking and dietary adjustments Some dentists also use muscle-relaxing injections. The article recounts one patient, Ella, who paid privately for Botox injections into her masseter muscles. She reports reduced jaw tension, improved sleep and less facial pain; the effect is described as lasting around three to four months. The reporting notes Botox injections for bruxism are not routinely offered on the NHS. ## Balancing symptom relief and investigating causes Dr Desai cautions that issuing a mouthguard without investigating why a patient grinds their teeth can miss important diagnoses. Identifying treatable causes such as sleep apnoea may change management and reduce risks to the teeth and overall health. For many patients, addressing lifestyle factors and mental health can reduce grinding. Ella, who described having high-functioning anxiety, said combining Botox with meditation has helped her sleep and energy levels and encouraged her to look for the underlying triggers of her bruxism. ## Long-term outcomes and dental repair Where bruxism has led to severe tooth wear, restorative dental treatment can be required. Dr Cove warns that rebuilding worn or fractured teeth and replacing failed dental work can be complex and costly. The reporting emphasises these severe outcomes are not the norm and usually take years to develop. ## What to do if you suspect you grind your teeth The source outlines observable signs to watch for and a range of approaches clinicians may take. It also highlights the value of a thorough assessment to rule out or manage contributing conditions like sleep apnoea and to plan appropriate multidisciplinary care. ## What the reporting does not provide The article notes anecdotal reports from dentists of a rise in younger patients with bruxism but does not include new national statistics quantifying the change. While studies are mentioned that estimate prevalence and explore links with stress, the reporting does not provide detailed trial data or specific research results. ## Next steps clinicians suggest Clinicians interviewed in the reporting advocate for: - Careful assessment of patients presenting with tooth wear or jaw pain - Considering sleep studies or referrals when OSA is suspected - Combining protective measures for teeth with treatment of underlying causes - Using a multidisciplinary approach including dental, sleep, physiotherapy and mental health support where appropriate People concerned about possible teeth grinding should raise symptoms with their dentist or primary care clinician so the cause can be investigated and an appropriate management plan put in place.
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