Dentists warn Brits doing 'common habit' could lead to long-term health issues
Tony Taunk says tackling the underlying cause, such as stress or anxiety, is key to preventing lasting damage. Howard LloydRegional content editorandSophie Watson15:37, 01 Aug 2026A dentist is warning Brits. . .
Tony Taunk says tackling the underlying cause, such as stress or anxiety, is key to preventing lasting damage. Howard LloydRegional content editorandSophie Watson15:37, 01 Aug 2026A dentist is warning Brits about this one 'common habit' as it could lead to long-term health issues. Jaw clenching is something a lot of people find themselves doing without even realising. But one dentist is urging Brits to take actions to prevent this as he claims it has the potential to cause health issues down the line. Jaw clenching, also known as bruxism, is said to affect more than 10 million adults in the UK, and episodes can last from just a few seconds to several minutes at a time. Tony Taunk, a dental solutions expert atImplant Perfection, says it's often linked to periods of stress and anxiety. He claims it can also be seen to go hand-in-hand with lifestyle factors such as excessive caffeine intake or smoking. While the clenching of the jaw may seem like a harmless habit, Tony claims it can lead to damaged tooth enamel, jaw pain, ear aches and headaches if left unchecked. The dentist claims it can also be seen to make your teeth more sensitive which can then wreak havoc to your sleeping pattern. To tackle jaw-clenching, to avoid any potential long-term health issues, Tony says the underlying problem causing the habit needs to be tackled. He says reducing stress, reducing or cutting out caffeine and alcohol and therapy can help with this. Tony also suggests regular exercise, avoiding hard food and making sure you have a calm sleeping environment can also help to reduce jaw clenching. Tony said: "If left unchecked for a long period of time, jaw clenching can lead to damaged tooth enamel, jaw pain, earaches and headaches. "You may also notice your teeth being more sensitive than usual as they become worn down, while some people find it disturbs their sleep. Mild cases may be temporary and don’t require treatment, but more serious cases should be tackled as soon as possible. "One of the most important ways to tackle jaw clenching is to be mindful that the problems exist and address any underlying problems that may be linked. "If stress is likely to be a key factor in the sudden appearance of a jaw clenching problem, there are a number of possible treatment paths to consider. "Simple ways such as reducing or cutting out caffeine and alcohol can be an immediate start, while behavioural therapy and ensuring a calming sleep environment and routine can also be effective. "Regular exercise can also be a wonderful way to release pent-up stress, while avoiding hard foods that are more difficult to chew can help give your teeth a rest. "Some people experience jaw clenching more when they sleep, while others find themselves doing it while awake without having realised. It can be a temporary problem that goes away within a few days if the underlying cause is not so serious, while other people can experience it on a more long-term basis. Tony said: "If you find yourself clenching your jaw more often than usual, it may be a sign that there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. It is worth considering asking your dentist to create a custom-made mouth guard to prevent further damage at night while you tackle the problem. "A common cause of clenching is a misalignment of the jaw, in which case you should speak to your dentist about treatment options available. These can range from orthodontic options such as braces or a retainer to physical therapy such as muscle relaxation techniques and massages. "My advice is to speak to your dentist, who will be able to help identify the causes of the problem and find the right treatment for you. "Article continues belowImplant Perfection is one of the UK’s leading specialists in dental implant solutions, combining precision, innovation and experience to achieve a healthier smile.