Teeth Grinding

Condition Overview

What Defines Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding, clinically known as bruxism or teeth clenching, is a common condition characterised by the involuntary clenching, gnashing or grinding of teeth. This most often occurs during sleep (sleep bruxism), leading to potential dental issues and associated concerns. Repeated tooth grinding over time can place excessive strain on the jaw muscles and lead to a range of dental and muscular problems. Treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections and toxin injections can be used to relax the overactive jaw muscles, helping to reduce grinding, alleviate discomfort, and protect both the teeth and jaw from further damage.

How Does Teeth Grinding Impact My Well-Being?

The act of grinding teeth can result in various dental problems, including worn tooth enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, facial pain, headaches and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Prolonged and untreated bruxism can contribute to the development of dental fractures, tooth loss and compromised oral health. In some cases, clenching your teeth regularly can lead to hypertrophy of the masseter muscles, worsening facial tension and contributing to jaw clenching or an overly square jawline.

Beyond the dental implications, bruxism can have a significant impact on a person’s overall well-being. Chronic grinding can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, causing fatigue and contributing to stress and anxiety. The pain and discomfort associated with jaw problems, headaches and TMJ disorders further affect one’s quality of life, potentially leading to decreased productivity and increased stress levels.

What May Be The Cause Of My Teeth Grinding?

The causes of teeth grinding are multifaceted and may include stress, anxiety, malocclusion (misalignment of teeth), sleep disorders and lifestyle factors such as excessive caffeine intake or the use of certain medications. Psychological factors like suppressed anger or frustration may also contribute to bruxism. Moreover, lifestyle habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have been associated with an increased risk of tooth grinding and involuntary jaw clenching.

What Treatments Are Available For Teeth Grinding?

Addressing teeth grinding or teeth clenching often involves lifestyle modifications, with some cases also requiring dental interventions. Dental professionals may recommend the use of mouthguards or splints to protect teeth and alleviate jaw pressure. Stress management techniques, relaxation exercises and behavioural therapies can be beneficial in addressing the psychological aspects contributing to bruxism.

At HAVA Aesthetics, Surrey we provide anti-wrinkle injections which can also be an effective solution for teeth grinding. These injections are commonly used to stop teeth grinding by targeting the masseter muscles involved in jaw movement. By temporarily weakening the overactive jaw muscles, the injections reduce the force exerted during clenching your teeth and help relieve associated symptoms such as facial pain and tension. This targeted approach can help minimise the impact of bruxism and support long-term relief as part of a personalised treatment plan.

Additionally, when overuse of the masseter muscle leads to a wide jaw (a common issue for women who prefer more feminine features), toxin injections can help soften facial contours by weakening the muscle, resulting in a slimmer appearance of the face.

Identifying and addressing the issues that lead to grinding or clenching of the teeth are essential not only for maintaining oral health, but also for improving overall well-being and quality of life. We work closely with you to understand your symptoms and create a tailored treatment plan that considers your full range of concerns and treatment options.