HDG NEWS
Why Do I Grind My Teeth and How Can I Stop?
19th September 2025
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common condition that affects many people - often without them even realising it. If you’ve been noticing worn-down teeth, or waking up with a sore jaw or headache, you might be grinding your teeth, especially during sleep. The good news is that with the right guidance and treatment from our experienced team here in Hertfordshire, it’s possible to reduce the effects of grinding and wake up feeling refreshed, energised and ready to take on the day.
At Hertfordshire Dental Group, we understand the impact bruxism can have on your oral health and overall well-being. Our fully accessible practices on Maidenhead Street in Hertford and Star Street in Ware are equipped to provide personalised assessments and treatments to help you protect your teeth and improve your sleep.
Here’s what you need to know about Teeth grinding and how we can help you stop.
What Is Teeth Grinding?
Bruxism involves clenching or grinding your teeth, often unconsciously. While it's common to grind your teeth occasionally, frequent or intense grinding can lead to significant dental issues. It can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and even damage to dental restorations.
Why Am I Grinding My Teeth?
Several factors can contribute to bruxism, including:
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Stress and Anxiety: Emotional tension can lead to unconscious teeth grinding.
Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnoea or snoring can increase the likelihood of bruxism.
Medications: Certain medications, such as those used to treat depression, may have bruxism as a side effect.
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Lifestyle Factors: Habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or high caffeine intake can contribute to teeth grinding.
Signs You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth
Recognising the symptoms of bruxism is crucial for early intervention. Common signs include:
Aching jaws or neck pain
Headaches, particularly in the morning
Worn-down or chipped teeth
Tooth sensitivity
Painful chewing or speaking
Poor sleep quality
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, get in touch with our friendly team today.
How Hertfordshire Dental Group Can Help
At Hertfordshire Dental Group, we offer personalised solutions to address bruxism and protect your smile. We can provide:
Night Guards: By creating a cushion between the upper and lower teeth, they ensure that any overnight grinding occurs against the guard rather than your tooth enamel.
Mouth Splints: Made from hard wearing materials, they help separate the upper and lower teeth, relax the jaw muscles, and protect teeth from grinding.
Sleep Disorder Referrals: If we suspect sleep apnoea or other sleep-related issues are contributing to bruxism, we can refer you to specialists for further evaluation and treatment.
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Regular Dental Health Check-ups: Routine visits allow us to monitor your oral health and detect any signs of bruxism early, enabling timely intervention.
Personalised Solutions for Teeth Grinding in Hertford and Ware
During your consultation, we’ll carefully assess your teeth to determine the extent of wear and whether teeth grinding is indeed the cause. We’ll also evaluate your jaw joints and muscles, and ask about any headaches or discomfort you may be experiencing. Once we confirm bruxism, we’ll explain your treatment options and help you choose the most suitable device.
Custom mouth guards help reduce the damage caused by grinding but don’t address the underlying jaw tension, meaning they usually need to be worn as long as the grinding continues.
Mouth splints, on the other hand, focus on relaxing the jaw and typically need to be worn overnight for at least three months to see positive results.
We take a precise mould of your teeth and work with our dental lab to create a tailor-made guard or splint. While these devices can feel bulky at first, most patients find them comfortable within a few weeks. They are simple to care for - just rinse with cold water and mild soap or use specially designed cleaning tablets.
Self-Care for Teeth Grinding
While it’s important to seek the right solution from a professional dentist, managing teeth grinding often involves addressing the underlying causes, particularly stress and sleep habits. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, meditation and regular physical activity can also provide a natural outlet for stress relief.
Making simple lifestyle changes - like keeping a consistent bedtime, aiming for around 8 hours of rest, and reducing caffeine or alcohol intake in the evening - can further support both relaxation and oral health.
Wake Up Feeling Refreshed
If you think you might be grinding your teeth, don’t wait until the discomfort or damage becomes more serious. Early intervention is key to protecting your teeth, jaw, and overall well-being. At Hertfordshire Dental Group, our team provides personalised guidance and effective treatments - from custom night guards to mouth splints - to help you manage bruxism comfortably and safely.
Combined with simple lifestyle adjustments, good sleep habits, and stress management techniques, professional care can make a real difference. Take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free smile and wake up feeling refreshed - contact us today to book your free consultation.
