Unaware of Bruxism? You Might Be Suffering From It

The Hidden Struggle of Teeth Grinding

My dentist’s words echoed in my mind as she removed her latex gloves with a casual flick. “You’ve worn your molars right down,” she said, her tone more clinical than concerned. I tried not to take it personally, but the thought of my jaw making a clicking sound was enough to make me feel a little self-conscious. I mumbled an apology and rubbed my aching masseter muscles, the ones that seem to be constantly working.

I’m part of a growing number of people—around 8 to 10% of the UK population—who grind their teeth in some form. And I suspect you might be too. I can’t pinpoint exactly when this habit started, but these days, I’m all too aware that I do it almost every night. I’ve woken up multiple times from biting my tongue, which is no fun at all, and when my alarm goes off, I open my eyes with a sore jaw.

This habit doesn’t just happen at night; it seeps into my waking hours too. I’ll suddenly realize my jaw is clenched, as if that’s its default setting. I once saw a TikTok video suggesting the three-finger test as a quick way to assess jaw mobility. If you can fit three stacked fingers between your upper and lower teeth, you’re in the normal range. I can barely manage that.

Bruxism, the term for teeth grinding or jaw clenching, isn’t just about discomfort. It can lead to a variety of issues, including dental problems, headaches, facial pain, neck and shoulder pain, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. To put it simply, it’s not a pleasant experience—and what makes it worse is that it often happens subconsciously.

According to recent data, around 6.7 million Brits deal with this condition, and it seems to be on the rise. A 2021 survey in the US found that 70% of dentists reported an increase in patients with bruxism. On social media, hashtags like #teethgrinding have over 262.9 million views, while #unclenchyourjaw has 37.7 million. Even Etsy features t-shirts and artwork with the phrase “unclench your jaw.”

Dr. Sahil Patel, a dentist at London’s Marylebone Smile Clinic, says he’s seeing more patients showing signs of bruxism. He explains that well-developed jaw muscles can create a squarer facial appearance or a stronger jawline. On the teeth themselves, bruxism leads to accelerated wear and breakage, making them look shorter, squarer, and yellower. Tooth sensitivity and gum recession are also common signs.

Why Is This Happening?

So why have we become a nation unable to relax our faces? While the causes aren’t always clear, stress and anxiety are commonly cited. Dr. Sahil notes that patients are more stressed than ever, and this is especially noticeable in younger people. Mental Health UK’s Burnout Report from January 2025 revealed that one in three adults experiences high or extreme levels of pressure or stress, and nine out of ten say they’ve felt this way at some point in the past year.

Experts agree that society is increasingly stressful. Chartered psychologist Dr. Manpreet Dhuffar-Pottiwal points to an era of “uncertainty and instability.” Political unrest, economic fluctuations, and environmental crises contribute to a sense of unpredictability, leaving people feeling out of control about their futures. Our “always-online” culture, particularly among younger generations, adds to the problem, leading to technological overload.

Social media promotes curated versions of life, causing people to compare themselves to others. Urbanization also plays a role, as city dwellers miss out on the calming effects of nature. Workplace pressures have changed too, with remote work and gig economies introducing ambiguity about job security and increased workloads. Many young employees juggle multiple responsibilities, leading to burnout and chronic stress.

The global pandemic has also played a role, heightening health-related anxieties. This ongoing concern creates a cycle of stress that affects various aspects of life, contributing to conditions like bruxism.

Managing Jaw Clenching

So, what can be done about this issue? According to Dr. Sahil, dentists can help manage symptoms. Night guards or retainers can cushion the contact between teeth during the night, costing between £250 and £500. Another option is Botox injections into the masseter muscles, which can relax them and reduce the intensity of clenching. Natalja Andrejeva, a nurse prescriber and aesthetic trainer, notes that Botox has become a popular solution for bruxism, especially post-pandemic.

Botox treatment typically costs around £290 and needs to be repeated every three to six months. Over time, some clients find they can space out treatments as symptoms improve. While living a stress-free life is ideal, until then, remember that you’re not alone in this struggle. Don’t forget to unclench your jaw.