Dentists across the UK are reporting a “concerning” rise in severe dental wear among younger patients, seeing levels of damage previously typically associated with much older age groups. The condition, known as bruxism, involves the involuntary grinding, gnashing, or clenching of teeth, and it is estimated to affect between 8% and 10% of the UK adult population.
While the habit can occur while a person is awake, it is most common during sleep, meaning many people are entirely unaware they are doing it until the physical symptoms become impossible to ignore.
Recognising the signs
Because bruxism often happens overnight, diagnosis frequently relies on identifying the after-effects. Common symptoms include morning jaw pain, tension-style headaches concentrated at the temples, and earache. Some patients also report tooth sensitivity or a clicking sensation in the jaw joints, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Experts categorise the condition into two types: “awake bruxism” and “sleep bruxism”. Awake bruxism often involves clenching the teeth and is frequently tied to concentration or stress, while sleep bruxism is a sleep-related movement disorder. Over time, the constant pressure can lead to flattened or chipped teeth and the wearing down of protective enamel.
Why is it happening?
The NHS attributes approximately 70% of teeth grinding cases to stress or anxiety. Dentists suggest that the pressures facing young adults today may be contributing to the “surge” in cases seen in surgeries nationwide.
Lifestyle factors and certain medications are also significant triggers. A medical link has been confirmed between increased grinding and the use of specific medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used for depression and stimulants used to treat ADHD. Additionally, the consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco—particularly in the hours before sleep—can exacerbate the problem.
NHS treatment and costs
If you suspect you are grinding your teeth, the first step is an examination to assess the extent of any dental wear. For many, a custom-made mouthguard or “splint” is the most effective solution. These guards are worn at night to create a physical barrier between the upper and lower teeth, protecting them from further damage and reducing jaw muscle strain.
In England, if a dentist determines there is a clinical need for a custom night guard, the treatment falls under Band 2 of the NHS dental charges. As of 2026, the cost for Band 2 treatment is £77.30. It is important to note that a dentist will usually require evidence of clinical damage or a clear medical necessity before providing a guard under the NHS, as they are not typically provided for purely preventative reasons where no symptoms exist.
For those with mild symptoms, self-care can be effective. NHS trusts often recommend jaw relaxation exercises and “sleep hygiene” improvements, such as reducing screen time and avoiding stimulants before bed. In severe cases that do not respond to mouthguards, some patients may be referred for muscle-relaxing injections (such as Botox) to the jaw muscles, though this is less common and often requires a specialist referral.
