Bruxism is the medical term for repeated jaw activity such as teeth grinding, clenching, bracing or thrusting. It may happen during sleep or while a person is awake, and many people do not realise they are doing it until pain, tooth damage or sleep disruption appears.
Recent comments from dentists suggest they are seeing more young patients with problems linked to persistent grinding. However, the evidence for a population-wide rise remains limited: the British Dental Association has cited anecdotal reports rather than a specific national figure. Some studies suggest that close to one in four people experience bruxism, although many cases go unnoticed.
What bruxism feels like
The effects depend on how often the jaw is active, how forcefully a person clenches or grinds, and whether the behaviour occurs at night, during the day, or both.
Common warning signs include:
- Flattened, chipped or visibly worn teeth
- Jaw stiffness or soreness, particularly after waking
- Morning headaches
- Facial pain
- Interrupted sleep or tiredness during the day
- A partner noticing grinding sounds at night
- A mouthguard becoming damaged unusually quickly
Tooth wear alone does not prove that someone has bruxism. Dentists consider the pattern of wear alongside symptoms, examination findings and the person’s history.
Why might younger people be grinding their teeth?
Stress is often associated with bruxism, and the British Society of Dental Sleep Medicine’s president, Dr Aditi Desai, has suggested that pressure in modern life may be contributing to the problem. That may explain some cases, but the available evidence does not establish a single cause.
Some people grind at night, while others clench or move their jaws during the day. A person may also be unaware of the behaviour until symptoms or dental damage appear.
When to arrange a dental appointment
Arrange an appointment if you have persistent jaw pain, headaches on waking, visible tooth damage or regular clenching. A dentist can assess whether the symptoms are linked to bruxism and discuss ways to protect the teeth.
A dentist may ask:
- Whether symptoms are worse in the morning
- If anyone has heard grinding during sleep
- How well you are sleeping
- Whether you clench during the day
- Whether you have experienced recent stress
Seek professional advice if a tooth breaks, pain becomes severe or jaw movement is restricted.
Treatment focuses on protecting the teeth and reducing symptoms
There is no single treatment that suits everyone. Management depends on whether the main problem is night-time grinding, daytime clenching, tooth damage, pain or disrupted sleep.
A dental professional may discuss:
A mouthguard
A mouthguard may help protect teeth from the effects of grinding. It will not necessarily stop the jaw activity itself. Anyone who repeatedly damages or grinds through a mouthguard should return to a dentist for advice.
Daytime awareness
Some people clench without noticing, particularly during periods of stress or concentration. Becoming aware of when the teeth are clenched can help someone discuss the pattern with a dental professional.
Stress and sleep
Because stress is associated with bruxism, addressing ongoing stress may form part of a broader plan. Sleep disruption may also be relevant, particularly when grinding happens at night.
Treatment for damaged teeth
Teeth affected by grinding may need dental treatment. A dentist can explain the available options and how to reduce the risk of further damage.
Be cautious about diagnosing yourself
People may notice some of the signs listed above without having bruxism. Headaches, facial pain and disrupted sleep can have other causes, while tooth wear can develop for different reasons.
If you recognise several warning signs, keep a short record of when symptoms occur and arrange a dental assessment. A dentist can examine the teeth and jaw and help determine whether bruxism is the likely cause.
The practical takeaway
Anecdotal reports suggest dentists may be seeing more young people with damage associated with grinding and clenching, but the available evidence does not provide a definitive national trend. Bruxism can be mild and unnoticed, or severe enough to cause significant pain and damage to the teeth.
If you think you may be grinding or clenching, seek dental advice rather than relying on symptoms alone. Early assessment can help identify the problem and protect the teeth before the damage progresses.
Sources
- BBC News, “Some dentists say more young people are grinding their teeth – are you one of them?”, published 2026-09-12: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgwe8dk6z6o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
Meta: Bruxism may cause jaw pain, headaches and worn teeth. Learn the warning signs, possible causes and when to seek dental advice.