What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth. It affects around 8-10% of people in the UK, though many aren’t aware they’re doing it, as it often happens unconsciously during sleep or throughout the day. Stress and anxiety are common triggers, but certain medications, like antidepressants, and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or depression can also play a role.
While bruxism might seem harmless at first, it can lead to more serious issues if left untreated. These include tooth damage, jaw pain, chronic headaches, and muscle tension. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available, like custom-made mouthguards and stress management techniques, which can help protect your teeth and address the underlying causes.
If you’re waking up with jaw pain, frequent headaches, or your teeth feel more sensitive than usual, it’s worth considering a visit to your dentist. Catching the signs early can help prevent further damage and keep your smile healthy.
8-10% of people have bruxism
15% of adolescents have sleep bruxism
70% of bruxism is caused by stress or anxiety
A systematic review found higher bruxism rates in women, increasing with age
What causes bruxism?
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can have a variety of causes, though the exact reasons aren’t fully understood. Stress is a major trigger, particularly for those who experience anxiety or anger. Other factors may include chemical imbalances in the brain, genetic predisposition, and certain medications like antidepressants.
Bruxism can be categorised as either primary, where it occurs on its own, or secondary, where it’s related to another condition. In children, teeth grinding may be triggered by teething or bite alignment issues. For adults, stress, anxiety, and lifestyle factors like smoking, caffeine, and alcohol can increase the risk.
If bruxism is connected to other health issues, such as sleep apnoea, Parkinson’s disease, or depression, it’s essential to address these underlying conditions. Consulting a healthcare professional can help identify the root cause and guide you towards the right treatment.
What are the symptoms and effects of bruxism?
Bruxism can cause more than just issues with your teeth. The constant grinding and clenching can lead to pain in the jaw, tension headaches, and discomfort in the neck and shoulders. Over time, it may even result in temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which affects the movement of your jaw.
From a dental perspective, bruxism can wear down your teeth, causing enamel erosion, increased sensitivity, and even fractures. If untreated, it can lead to gum recession and a loss of tooth height. Many people with bruxism also experience disturbed sleep, which can make the problem worse by adding to stress and discomfort.
Detecting and treating bruxism early is crucial. By addressing the issue sooner rather than later, you can avoid more severe dental problems and improve your overall wellbeing.
How can it be managed?
If you occasionally grind your teeth, you might not need treatment. But for more frequent or severe cases, it’s important to seek help to prevent further damage.
One of the most common treatments is a custom-fitted mouthguard or bite splint. These help protect your teeth from excessive wear and reduce tension in your jaw muscles. Alongside this, stress management techniques like meditation, relaxation exercises, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be effective in reducing the stress that triggers bruxism.
Lifestyle changes can also play a role. Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol and stopping smoking can help manage bruxism. In some cases, your doctor may suggest adjusting any medications that could be contributing to the condition or prescribe muscle relaxants to ease jaw tension. For more severe cases, Botox® injections can be used to reduce muscle activity and relieve symptoms.
Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the condition and ensure your treatment plan is working effectively. Speak to your dentist for personalised advice on the best options for you.
How can hypnotherapy help?
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy offers a gentle and effective approach to managing bruxism, particularly when stress and anxiety are significant factors. Combining psychotherapy and hypnosis, this method helps you identify and address the root causes of teeth grinding.
During hypnotherapy, you’ll be guided into a deeply relaxed state, where your subconscious mind becomes more open to positive change. The therapist works with you to reduce stress and emotional triggers, helping you break the habit, even while you sleep.
Each session is tailored to your needs, focusing on creating a positive mindset and encouraging healthier habits. Many people notice improvements after just a few sessions, making hypnotherapy a valuable tool in managing bruxism and enhancing your overall quality of life.
The effectiveness of hypnotherapy in reducing stress and anxiety, key contributors to bruxism, underscores its potential as an impactful tool for breaking the condition’s cycle. Although the number of sessions required can vary from person to person, many report significant improvements after just a few sessions. Ultimately, solution-focused hypnotherapy unlocks an individual’s full potential, leading to a more rewarding and meaningful life, free from the constraints of limiting beliefs, negative cycles, and detrimental habits.
Our Bruxism: Teeth Grinding, Night Guard, Jaw Clenching Specialists
Benn Baker-Pollard
Sittingbourne
Carmen Harrington
Market Harborough
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Chris Johannes
Spalding
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone East
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Kerry Seymour
Weston-super-Mare
Peter Ely
Islington
Victoria Anderson
Sunderland
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
