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Grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep may seem harmless, but experts warn that it can cause pain, tooth damage and sleep problems without the person realising it immediately.
The condition is known as bruxism and is believed to affect nearly one in four people. Many cases are only discovered when symptoms begin to appear or visible damage to the teeth develops.
Dentists interviewed by the BBC say they are concerned about a growing number of young people seeking treatment for problems linked to constant teeth grinding. Stress is considered one of the factors that may contribute to the condition.
Bruxism can happen during the day or at night and includes actions such as clenching, grinding, tensing or pushing the jaw. In some cases, people are not even aware that they are doing it.
Warning signs include worn, chipped or flattened teeth, headaches on waking, jaw stiffness, increased tooth sensitivity, daytime tiredness and pain around the ears or temples.
Experts say periods of stress and anxiety can increase muscle tension and cause people to clench or grind their teeth, particularly during sleep.
If the problem continues for a long time, the damage can become significant and may require complex and expensive dental treatment.
However, specialists warn that simply protecting the teeth is not enough. It is also important to understand why the bruxism is happening.
In some cases, teeth grinding may be linked to conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea, in which the airways become partially blocked during sleep.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Options may include night guards, physiotherapy, psychological therapy and lifestyle changes aimed at reducing stress and improving sleep quality.
In more severe cases, other treatments may be considered, including Botox injections into the jaw muscles, although this option is not suitable for everyone.
Experts recommend seeking professional assessment if frequent jaw pain, tooth wear or other persistent symptoms develop, as bruxism can have different causes and may require an individual approach.
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