Rise in Young Teeth-Grinders Linked to Stress, Say Dentists

Health professionals are noting a growing trend of teeth grinding, or bruxism, among younger demographics, with dentists attributing the rise primarily to elevated stress levels in modern life.

While estimates suggest nearly one in four individuals may experience the condition, many remain unaware of their habits until significant damage occurs. Dr. Aditi Desai, president of the British Society of Dental Sleep Medicine, confirmed the upward trajectory, telling the BBC that the phenomenon is “definitely on the rise” due to the pressures of contemporary living.

Ella, a 31-year-old from the UK, experienced severe symptoms including excruciating jaw pain, headaches, and the gradual wearing down of her molars. The chronic grinding also altered the shape of her face by enlarging her masseter muscles. After deciding to pursue treatment rather than simply enduring the pain, Ella underwent Botox injections to relax her jaw muscles. She reported that the procedure significantly improved her sleep quality, reduced facial tension, and alleviated pain, although the treatment is not routinely available on the National Health Service (NHS).

Bruxism encompasses four distinct jaw movements: clenching, grinding, bracing, and thrusting. It can occur during the day or night, with some individuals gnashing so intensely that they damage mouthguards or disturb their partners. Common indicators include worn or chipped teeth, morning headaches, jaw stiffness, earaches, and heightened tooth sensitivity.

Rahi Popat, a psychotherapist, observed that clients, particularly younger ones, increasingly link their teeth grinding to periods of intense stress. He explained that the jaw is closely connected to the nervous system via major cranial nerves. When the body enters a “fight or flight” state, muscles tense in preparation for a threat. Nocturnal grinding, therefore, can serve as a mechanism for the body to release accumulated daytime tension.

However, experts caution that treatment should address the underlying cause rather than just the symptoms. Dr. Desai criticized the common practice of distributing mouthguards without investigating why the grinding is occurring. She highlighted that bruxism can sometimes be a protective response to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), where the jaw moves to clear a blocked airway and restore breathing.

Professor Frank Lobbezoo, a leading researcher in the field, noted that bruxism is not solely detrimental. He pointed out that jaw movement stimulates salivary glands, which clean the mouth, protect teeth, and aid digestion. Additionally, preliminary research suggests that chewing motions may enhance blood flow to the brain and support cognition.

Dentist Simon Cove emphasized the potential for severe dental damage, noting that patients often do not realize the extent of wear until a 3D scan reveals it. Restorative treatment for advanced cases can be complex and costly. Meanwhile, specialist Riaz Yar described bruxism as a “biopsychosocial issue,” urging a multidisciplinary approach that considers sleep patterns, diet, weight, exercise, medication, and mental health.

Recommended management strategies include wearing night guards, using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines or mandibular advancement devices for sleep apnoea, physiotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and lifestyle adjustments such as reducing alcohol and improving sleep hygiene. For Ella, combining medical treatment with meditation has been transformative, and she is now focusing on identifying the root causes of her anxiety.