Bruxism Awareness Week: Understanding and Managing Tooth Grinding

It’s Bruxism Awareness Week — a time to shine a light on an often overlooked but common condition: tooth grinding and jaw clenching, also known as bruxism.

Many people in North Leeds experience bruxism, often without realising it, as it frequently occurs during sleep. Over time, it can cause tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and headaches — but the good news is that your dentist can help manage and relieve the symptoms effectively.

What Is Bruxism and Why Does It Happen?

Bruxism can affect people of all ages and may occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• Stress and anxiety

• Lifestyle factors such as high caffeine or alcohol intake

• 
  

  such as nail biting

• Sleep disorders or medication side effects

While occasional teeth grinding may not cause harm, ongoing bruxism can lead to:

• Worn, flattened teeth or broken teeth

• Jaw pain or tightness

• Headaches or ear pain

• Broken or chipped dental work

• Poor sleep quality

How Your North Leeds Dentist Can Help

At our North Leeds dental practice, we provide a range of options to help manage the symptoms of bruxism and protect your smile.

Our dentists can:

• Assess your teeth and jaw for signs of grinding and damage

• Provide a custom-made dental splint (night guard) designed to fit comfortably over your teeth and help reduce wear caused by grinding during sleep

• Offer advice on managing stress or lifestyle factors that may contribute to bruxism

• Provide botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections, where appropriate, to help relax the jaw muscles and reduce clenching

(Botox® treatment is available following a full consultation and assessment to ensure suitability. Results and effectiveness can vary from person to person.)

These options can help to alleviate discomfort, prevent further damage to your teeth, and improve your overall oral health.

Don’t Ignore the Signs — Book an Appointment in North Leeds Today

If you’ve noticed that you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or signs of tooth wear, it’s time to seek advice from your dentist.

👉 Book a consultation with our experienced North Leeds dental team to discuss your concerns about tooth grinding. We’ll work with you to find a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs and helps protect your teeth for the long term.