October 21, 2026
Most people cannot simply decide to stop grinding their teeth in their sleep, because it happens while they are not aware of it. What usually works is a combination of steps: easing the things that tend to trigger it, such as stress and poor sleep, and protecting your teeth with a custom made night guard from a dentist while you work on those triggers.
Grinding is common, it is often mild, and it does not always need treatment. But if you wake with a sore jaw, notice worn or chipped teeth, or a partner hears you at night, it is worth having it looked at. This guide explains the causes, the signs, what you can do yourself and what a dentist can offer.
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, either while you sleep or while you are awake. According to the NHS, it is often related to stress or anxiety, and treatment is not always needed. When it happens at night you may not know you are doing it.
The reason it matters is the force involved. Your teeth are built to meet briefly when you chew, not to press and slide against each other for hours. Over time that strain can wear the enamel, loosen or break fillings, and leave the jaw muscles tired and sore.
There is rarely one single cause. According to the NHS, the exact cause is often unclear, but several things are commonly linked to it.
Stress and anxiety are the most common triggers named by the NHS. A busy mind during the day can show up as a tense jaw at night. Some people also clench when they are concentrating or feeling under pressure while awake. Our post on how bruxism affects sleep and mental health looks at this link in more detail.
Grinding is linked with sleep problems such as snoring and sleep apnoea. If you snore loudly, wake unrefreshed or have pauses in your breathing noticed by a partner, mention it to your GP as well as your dentist.
The NHS lists smoking, heavy drinking of alcohol and a lot of caffeine as links, and some medicines used for sleep, depression or anxiety can also be associated with grinding. Do not stop a prescribed medicine yourself. Talk to the doctor who prescribed it if you are worried.
Because most grinding happens asleep, the clues often show up the next day or on a dental examination. Not everyone has all of them, and some people have none.
The NHS describes the same pattern: jaw pain that can lead to temporomandibular disorder, worn, broken or sensitive teeth, headaches and earache, and disturbed sleep. Our post on TMJ pain and toothache explains how jaw joint pain is often mistaken for a dental problem.
There is no switch that turns grinding off, but you can lower the things that feed it. The NHS suggests relaxation methods such as breathing exercises, listening to music and regular exercise, and better sleep habits: a regular bedtime, time to unwind and a dark, quiet bedroom.
These steps are worth doing, but they do not shield your teeth in the meantime. If you already see wear or have symptoms, the next section matters more.
A dentist cannot always stop the grinding itself, but they can find out how much damage it is doing, protect your teeth and repair what has already worn. The NHS notes that a dentist may fit a mouth guard or splint to wear at night to protect the teeth.
Your dentist will look at the surfaces of your teeth, your gums, your bite and how your jaw moves, and ask about headaches, sleep and stress. Our new patient dental examination includes an occlusal and TMJ assessment, which looks at how your teeth meet and how your jaw joint is working. X rays may be taken to check what you cannot see.
A night guard is a thin, hard wearing cover that fits over your upper or lower teeth and sits between them while you sleep. It does not stop you grinding. It takes the wear instead of your enamel and fillings. According to the NHS, a mouthguard or splint is custom made to fit over the upper or lower teeth and is worn at night to protect them.
At Maida Smiles a night guard is listed at £400 per arch, which means the top or the bottom. Your dentist will advise what you need after an examination.
If grinding has chipped or flattened teeth, your dentist may suggest repair once the grinding is under control. Depending on the damage, that might mean white fillings or, for a tooth that is badly worn or broken down, dental crowns. Repairing without protecting the teeth risks the same wear happening again.
If stress, anxiety or sleep problems are behind your grinding, your dentist may suggest speaking to your GP. Some people who feel anxious about dental visits also clench more, and our dental anxiety treatment options are there if nerves are keeping you away from the dentist.
You can buy boil and bite guards in chemists and online, and some people use them as a short term measure. According to Bupa, a custom mouth guard will fit your teeth closely and work better than a shop bought one. A poorly fitting guard can feel bulky, make you want to chew it, or fail to protect all your teeth, and it will not tell you why you are grinding.
A custom guard is made from impressions or a digital scan of your teeth, so it fits your bite. It is also checked by your dentist, who can see whether it is doing its job and adjust it if needed. If you are unsure, ask at your examination. A guard that is wrong for your bite is better avoided than worn.
The NHS advises seeing a dentist if you have tooth damage or sensitive teeth from grinding, pain in your jaw, face or ear, a partner who notices you grinding in your sleep, or if you are concerned about a child grinding their teeth. Regular dental check ups also give your dentist the chance to spot wear before you notice it.
Some symptoms need quicker help. According to the NHS, contact a GP urgently or call NHS 111 if you cannot eat or drink, your jaw locks or you cannot open your mouth, or you have severe or frequent headaches, tenderness at the side of your head or problems with your vision. If you have a broken tooth or sudden severe pain, our emergency appointment service offers same day slots. If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, go to A&E or call 999.
If you would like your teeth and bite checked, you can start by registering as a new patient and booking an examination at our Maida Vale clinic. We will look at your teeth, talk through what we find and explain your options.
Not always. Many people find grinding eases when stress and sleep improve, while others grind on and off for years. The realistic goal is to reduce triggers and protect your teeth, and a dentist can advise what is sensible for you.
You may wake with a sore jaw or a headache, notice worn or chipped teeth, or have a partner who hears grinding. A dentist can often see the pattern of wear on your teeth during an examination.
It is the most common trigger the NHS names, though it is not the only one. Sleep problems, some medicines, smoking, alcohol and caffeine can contribute, and sometimes no clear cause is found.
A night guard protects your teeth from wear and can ease jaw strain, but it does not stop the grinding itself. Results differ from person to person. Your dentist will check how it fits and how your teeth respond.
Our fee page lists a night guard at £400 per arch, meaning the top or the bottom teeth. Your dentist will advise which you need after an examination, and eligible treatment can be spread with finance, subject to status.
Yes, over time. It can wear enamel, chip or crack teeth, and loosen fillings or crowns. Early checks mean damage can be spotted and managed before it becomes a bigger repair.
It can be. The NHS says grinding can cause jaw pain that may lead to temporomandibular disorder. If your jaw clicks, locks or hurts, have it checked rather than waiting.
Start with a dentist if you have tooth damage, sensitivity or jaw, face or ear pain. See your GP about stress, anxiety, smoking, alcohol, snoring or sleep problems that may be behind it, as the NHS advises.
4,8
I could not be more satisfied with my experience at Maida Smiles - A special mention to Dr Gurteurez who is one of the most friendly and professional dentists I have ever met
Adam
I had my first visit and the team was very warm, caring and professional. The online booking platform makes it very easy to arrange your appointment. Doctor Pedro made me feel comfortable despite this being my first appointment since Covid. He is incredibly knowledgeable and offers you the best treatment for your specific condition. I would highly recommend them
Gian Paolo Ziletti
Professional. Friendly. Informative. Maida Smiles offers great dental services including cleanings, oral surgery and realignment. I feel very lucky to have them so close by. I had an appointment just this week that was quick, thorough and safe.
Emily Chmura
Being very nervous about using dentists after a terrible experience when I was younger, I came to Maida Smiles and loved the calm patient demeanour of Pedro. You can clearly see Pedro and the team take pride in what they do and are perfectionists. The whole experience was great and I will never go to another dentist again.
Reena Nathwani
Delighted with the outcome of my treatment by Pedro. Meticulous attention to detail explaining exactly how the procedure would be carried out from first consultation to completion backed up with supporting guidance notes. Clearly an expert in his field and someone who cares passionately about the outcomes for his patients. Highly recommended.
George Jones
I loved my first visit to Maida Smile Dental Clinic. The staff member at reception was very warm, welcoming and professional. My dentist, Priscilla, and her assistant were fantastic. I have quite sensitive teeth near my gums and I can find the probing and investigation quite uncomfortable during a consultation, but this wasn’t the case at all. I didn’t experience discomfort and felt in very safe hands. This also applied to the hygienist work. I didn’t even have to ask Priscilla to avoid using the ultra sound cleaner on the sensitive areas of my teeth. I’m looking forward to going back, and that’s not often you can say that about going to the dentist!
Simone Gibson
Since I first had the luck to be recommended and book an appointment with Dr. Pedro Gutierres over 8 years ago, I have never trusted my dental health nor my family’s to anyone else. It’s very hard to find a dentist who ticks all the boxes and even goes beyond any expectations you may have, from service, sympathy, professionalism, and expertise, etc., 5 stars are not enough to rate him. I was so happy when he opened his own clinic and surrounded himself with the best professionals you can find, I cannot recommend Maida Smiles Dental Clinic enough.
Sofia Gouveia
Maida Smiles Dental Clinic is excellent!! The staff is very friendly, professional and always aiming for the customers best experience! A special thank you to Dr. Pedro Gutierres who is truly amazing. I am absolutely satisfied with the results and highly recommend this great dental clinic!
Ana Cruz
Dr. Pedro Gutierres is the best Implantologist I have come across. His work is amazing and of very high quality! I would highly recommend him and Maida Smiles to all my friends and family. If you want the perfect smile this is the place to go.
Blossom
“Pedro was so patient and professional throughout my treatment for my implants.. I chose to have my treatment with a local anaesthetic rather than any sedation and have a very bad gag reflex when anything touches the back of my throat. His patience throughout the experience was wonderful, completely putting me at ease and he also gave me a technique to help me in the future. I have seen him for my follow up and fully intend to book an annual visit in 2020. which is no small thing as I live 60 miles away.I can thoroughly recommend him for any treatment.”
Denise Gilbert
I was very nervous to pull my ingrown wisdom tooth. Dr Pedro Guiterres made me feel really comfortable and the job was completed very professionally. It didn’t take long at all and I didn’t feel any pain. I would definitely recommend his service at this practice.
Jihan Daoud
From the day I made my first appointment. The team at Maida smile were amazing. They didn’t treat me like a customer but more like family. They have been great in every step in FINALLY GETTING MY DREAM SMILE from the receptionist to my dentist Pedro Laranjeira I can’t thank you enough and of course Pedro Laranjeira beautiful wife…… they are very professional and understand that I had to change my appointment now and then for work commitments and they were very understand. I will defo recommend them 100% not forgetting how chic the office is
Tracy Mensah
I was very nervous about having a dental implant but was immediately put at ease by Dr Pedro Gutierres. The procedure was explained in full and the care both during and after treatment has been of the highest standard. I received advice on how to look after my implant and have had no problems. I highly recommend.
Dawn Briggs
I had 7 implants installed by Dr Pedro Gutierres, including one which required a bone graft. In my 70 years I’ve had some bad experiences with dental treatment so it takes a lot for me to relax but, from my initial consultation, through to the end of the treatment, I had complete trust in Pedro’s expertise: preparations for the treatment and after-care were extremely thorough and fully explained, the treatment itself was surprisingly endurable (considering what was involved) and the implants have made a major difference to my life. If you are considering implants then I would whole-heartedly and sincerely recommend Pedro for this work.
Russ Hickman
I couldn’t recommend Maida Smiles enough: the care, attention to detail and the way Dentists and Nurses made sure I felt comfortable and safe throughout the treatments was incredible. Dr Pedro explained the treatments in detail to me and I have never felt under pressure to proceed… but I am very glad I did as I am happy and confident to smile again!
Mariana Pinheiro
Highly recommend this place to anybody looking for a friendly and trustworthy practice with an incredibly friendly and patient staff. Dr Pedro has been one of the best dentists I’ve ever had, he made me feel comfortable and were very knowledgeable in explaining every step of what he was doing and answering all of my questions. Amazing thorough the procedure, excellent communication, superb and professional treatment. I hope they keep it this way for a long time.
Joas Souza
Dr Pedro is a very good, confident and experienced professional. I’ve known him for some years now and always felt well cared for, either for small or bigger treatments.The facilities of the clinic are amazing and all the staff are very friendly. Highly recommended.”
Nelson Cafruni
I went to different clinics before, and nobody could really convince me until Maida Smiles did. The team here makes you comfortable , shows you different options and different budgets , and doesn't try to make you go only for one plan. I felt that the team was knowledgeable and wanted to help me , so that's why I decided to start
Diogo
I was referred to Dr. Pedro who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional, they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. I've never looked back since
Theresa
"I told him, 'I want beautiful teeth, beautiful but natural, I don't want fake looking teeth.' Now I smile, I talk... it just makes you more confident. If you wear a beautiful nice suit... you have beautiful teeth, then it's like a perfect."
Louca
"I went to my hygienist a little while ago, and she said to me they were the best implants that she'd ever seen and she would never have known that they weren't my real teeth."
Sharon
Dr. Pedro explained the process of Invisalign to me. It sounded easy, it was quite a quick process, and the end result is my teeth moved back, so I'm quite happy.
Soula
I feel like I've not just developed a professional relationship with my dentist and the staff... they become more like friends as well, because of the kind of compassion and sympathy that they give you during treatment.
Alvin
"After a friend recommended the clinic, I was referred to Dr. Pedro, who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional; they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. They have more than met my expectations. I have to have a few more implants, and I'm not afraid anymore. Now, finally, I can live again."
Lesley
"After not having a great experience with previous dental treatments, I was desperate for someone that I trusted. I broke a tooth, and even before I saw Dr. Pedro, he reassured me that I was going to be fine. He made me feel very comfortable and at ease. It was an amazing experience, from not only Dr. Pedro but also all the staff in the clinic, and I would definitely recommend [them] ".
Mariana
I chose Maida Smiles because of the reviews and a friend who was really happy with the results. The results definitely met my expectations. My expressions are much more smooth than before and it really makes the difference
Carolina
I’m very grateful for the quick and efficient service I received when I needed an emergency appointment. The staff were kind and accommodating, and the dentist provided clear, helpful advice that made a real difference. The whole experience was reassuring. Highly recommend their professionalism and expertise!
Safiya Guled
I am always anxious when having to see the dentist and this was one of my first experiences with Maida Smiles. The dentist, Benedict Harrison was very reassuring and immediately put me at ease. He was quite lucid in his explanations of what had to be done, etcetera, and is making good progress with the ongoing treatment. Also, the rest of the staff were friendly and just plain nice.
John Jacobs
Wow wow Dr Claudia is the best dentist in London, my kid adores her and it is always a pleasant visit. Can’t recommend her enough
Bel Cohn
I am delighted with the results of my replacement veneers.
Dr Benedict Harrison was very good at talking me through the whole process and keeping me informed during the treatment if there were any issues - which there weren’t.
He has a charming demeanour which is an added advantage in a dentist, who I think we all agree are not our favourite people, overall a 5 star experience.
Karen Shepherd
I went to the Maida Smiles Clinic for the first time and had the most wonderful experience! I am dentist phobic but strangely left the place with a big smile on my face (literally!). The receptionist was super kind, Susan was impeccable and very helpful, and I had my appointment with the most amazing dentist Dr Mafalda Vilhena. Couldn’t recommend her enough. She explains the whole procedure and is very rigorous in her work. Congratulations to Dr Pedro Gutierres for creating such an excellent working environment and to all the team. I will be back and bringing my family along and we don’t even live in Maida Vale. Thank you for such an impeccable job on my teeth and for taking my fear of dentists away. Note: they don’t cover NHS, only private bookings or with insurance.
Maria Monteiro
Address: 207-209 Sutherland Ave, London W9 1RU. Get directions.
Paid parking is available using ParkBee on Lanark Road (the road right next to the practice). For public transport users, we are a two-minute walk from Maida Vale tube station.
