What is teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, means grinding or clenching your teeth, often in your sleep and sometimes during the day without realising. At Caspian Dental Clinic, we offer teeth grinding treatment in Bushey, from spotting the early signs of wear to making custom night guards that help protect your teeth.
Occasional grinding is common and may cause no harm. Persistent grinding, though, can wear teeth down, break fillings and leave your jaw muscles aching.
Signs you may be grinding your teeth
- flattened, worn or chipped teeth, or teeth that look shorter than they did
- cracked teeth, or fillings that keep breaking
- sensitive teeth where enamel has worn away
- a tired or aching jaw, especially when you wake up
- headaches, often around the temples in the morning
- a partner or family member hearing you grind at night
- jaw stiffness or clicking
If you notice any of these, book a check-up. We can look for patterns of wear, check your jaw muscles and joints, and talk through what might be behind it.
What causes teeth grinding?
There’s often no single cause, but common factors include:
- Stress and anxiety: many people grind more during busy or worrying periods.
- Sleep: grinding is linked to disturbed sleep and, in some people, to sleep apnoea.
- Your bite: the way your teeth meet may play a part for some people, though it’s rarely the whole story.
- Lifestyle and medicines: caffeine, alcohol and smoking can make grinding worse, and some medicines, including certain antidepressants, are linked to it.
Custom night guards
A night guard (sometimes called an occlusal splint) is a thin, custom-made appliance worn over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It doesn’t usually stop grinding, but it takes the wear instead of your teeth, spreads the biting forces and, for some people, eases jaw muscle strain.
-
Assessment
We examine your teeth, jaw and bite, discuss your symptoms and confirm whether a night guard is right for you.
-
Impressions
We take accurate impressions of your teeth and a record of your bite.
-
Making your guard
Your guard is made from these impressions to fit your teeth closely.
-
Fitting and adjustment
At a second visit, we check the fit, adjust it so your teeth meet it evenly and show you how to look after it.
Shop-bought guards are cheaper but tend to be bulkier and may fit loosely. A guard that covers only some of your teeth can, over time, allow teeth to move, which is why a custom guard is designed to cover the whole arch.
Night guards cost from £350. Rinse yours with cold water and brush it gently after use, keep it in its case away from heat, and bring it to your check-ups so we can check it for wear.
Sports guards
If you play a contact sport such as rugby, hockey, boxing or martial arts, a mouthguard helps protect your teeth from knocks. A custom-fitted sports guard is made from impressions of your teeth, so it fits closely, stays in place and is usually easier to breathe and speak with than a boil-and-bite guard from a sports shop.
Boil-and-bite guards are cheaper but are often bulkier and less secure. Sports guards are priced on request, and children’s guards may need replacing as their teeth change.
Sleep apnoea, snoring and when to see your GP
We also offer treatment for snoring. Where appropriate, and once your GP has ruled out sleep apnoea, we can discuss whether a custom snoring appliance might help. Speak to your GP too if you have frequent headaches, or if stress or anxiety is affecting your sleep.
Repairing worn or damaged teeth
If grinding has already worn or chipped your teeth, we’ll explain the repair options, which might include white fillings, composite bonding or crowns. Wearing a night guard afterwards helps protect any new work.
Teeth grinding treatment in Bushey at Caspian Dental Clinic
You’ll see Dr Kimia Mirzakhani, our principal dentist, who has more than 25 years’ experience and will explain what she sees and why a guard may or may not help. We’re rated 4.9 out of 5 from 90 Google reviews. We’re about 100 yards from Bushey railway station, easy to reach from Watford, and open on Saturdays.
“Great experience – very thorough and good advice”
Liz, Google review
Teeth grinding: frequently asked questions
How much does a night guard cost in Bushey?
At Caspian Dental Clinic, a custom-made night guard costs from £350. Sports guards are priced on request, and we’ll confirm your fee before we start.
Will a night guard stop me grinding my teeth?
Usually not. A night guard protects your teeth by taking the wear and spreading the forces, and some people find their jaw aches less. Reducing triggers such as stress, caffeine and alcohol may help reduce the grinding itself.
How do I know if I grind my teeth in my sleep?
Many people don’t know until a partner hears it or their dentist spots wear. Waking with an aching jaw or a headache, worn or chipped teeth and fillings that keep breaking are common clues.
Can teeth grinding cause headaches?
It can. Grinding and clenching overwork the jaw muscles, which can cause morning headaches, often around the temples. Headaches have many causes, though, so see your GP if they’re frequent or severe.
Is a custom sports guard better than a boil-and-bite one?
A custom sports guard is made from impressions of your teeth, so it usually fits more closely and stays in place better, making it easier to breathe and talk. Boil-and-bite guards are cheaper and better than no guard at all.
How long does a night guard last?
It depends on how heavily you grind. Some guards last several years, while heavy grinders may wear through them sooner. Bring yours to check-ups so we can check it for wear, cracks and fit.