Some dentists say more young people are grinding their teeth - are you one of them?
Source: BBC Health ↗
A 31‑year‑old woman named Ella has been living with bruxism – a condition that causes intense, often unconscious grinding or clenching of the teeth – for years, enduring severe jaw pain, frequent headaches and noticeable wear to her molars. After her dentist warned that her teeth were at risk of breaking, she opted for a private treatment that involved injecting Botox into her masseter muscles, a procedure that relaxed the jaw, reduced pain, and improved her sleep and daytime energy. Ella attributes the grinding to high‑functioning anxiety and stress, noting that the nocturnal habit helped her release tension built up during the day.
Dentists and researchers are observing a rise in bruxism, particularly among younger patients, and link the increase to modern stressors. Dr Aditi Desai, president of the British Society of Dental Sleep Medicine, confirms the trend, while psychotherapist Rahi Popat explains that stress triggers a “fight or flight” response that tightens jaw muscles via cranial nerves, leading to grinding. Studies suggest up to one in four people may experience bruxism, though many remain unaware until symptoms such as tooth wear, jaw ache or disrupted sleep appear. Professionals caution that treatment should address underlying causes, not just symptoms; Dr Desai warns that mouthguards are often prescribed without investigating factors like obstructive sleep apnoea, which can compel patients to grind in order to keep the airway open.
The condition’s impact can be costly and complex. Dr Simon Cove uses 3D scanning to reveal cumulative tooth wear, noting that severe cases may require extensive, expensive dental work. While mouthguards can mitigate damage, they do not resolve the root stressors. Professor Frank Lobbezoo highlights that bruxism can have protective functions, such as maintaining airway patency in sleep apnoea and stimulating saliva production, suggesting a nuanced role beyond its negative effects. As awareness grows, both dental and mental‑health practitioners are urged to collaborate, identifying stress‑related triggers and appropriate interventions to prevent long‑term dental damage and improve overall wellbeing.
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