Keywords: bruxism Stanmore, nightguard London, jaw pain during stress, teeth grinding treatment Harrow, TMJ dentist Stanmore
The holiday season is meant to be joyful, but for many people it’s also one of the most stressful times of the year. Between gift shopping, family gatherings, end-of-year deadlines and financial pressures, it’s no surprise that tooth grinding and jaw tension surge in December.
At our Stanmore dental clinic, we see a sharp rise in patients experiencing:
✔ Jaw pain
✔ Headaches
✔ Tooth sensitivity
✔ Cracked teeth
✔ Worn enamel
✔ Night-time grinding noises (reported by partners)
If you’re feeling festive stress physically in your jaw, this blog explains why it happens, how to spot the signs early, and what you can do to protect your teeth.
Why Does Stress Cause Teeth Grinding?
The connection between stress and bruxism is well established. When you’re anxious, your body tenses and for many people, that tension concentrates in the jaw muscles.
During busy holiday periods, stress triggers:
• Increased muscle tightening
• Night-time clenching
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Heightened sensitivity to pain
• Poor posture (hunched shoulders, tight neck)
This leads to involuntary grinding both day and night, often without you realising.
How Bruxism Can Damage Your Teeth
Grinding may sound minor, but the long-term effects can be severe:
❌ Worn enamel
❌ Cracks in teeth
❌ Fractured fillings or crowns
❌ Gum recession
❌ Facial pain
❌ Migraines
❌ TMJ dysfunction
The earlier you treat bruxism, the easier it is to protect your teeth.
TMJ Consultations in Stanmore When You Need Specialist Support
If your symptoms include:
• Clicking or locking
• Severe jaw stiffness
• Ear pain
• Chronic headaches
• Difficulty chewing
…you may benefit from a TMJ assessment.
Our Stanmore dentists use digital scans and clinical testing to diagnose the cause and create a personalised treatment plan.
Treatment options may include:
✔ Nightguard therapy
✔ Bite balancing
✔ Muscle relaxation techniques
✔ At-home jaw exercises
✔ Botox® for severe clenching cases (performed safely by qualified clinicians)
Protect Your Smile This Festive Season
If you’re experiencing clenching, jaw pain or grinding, December is the ideal time to get a nightguard and prevent long-term damage.
📍 Centre of Dental Excellence – Stanmore (HA7)
✔ Experts in bruxism & TMJ disorder
✔ Custom nightguards made with precision digital scans
✔ Gentle, patient-focused care
✔ Serving Stanmore, Harrow, Edgware, Bushey & North West London
📞 Book your bruxism or TMJ consultation today
Your jaw will thank you!
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth (Bruxism)
If you’re unsure whether your jaw pain is stress-related, look out for:
✔ Morning headaches or temple pain
✔ A tight or clicking jaw joint
✔ Worn, chipped or cracked teeth
✔ Ear pain with no infection
✔ Facial tension
✔ Difficulty opening your mouth fully
✔ Sensitive or loose teeth
✔ Partner hearing grinding noises at night
If you notice any of these, booking a bruxism or TMJ consultation can prevent long-term damage.
Why Grinding Gets Worse Over the Holidays
December is one of the worst months for bruxism. Here’s why:
🎁 Gift shopping stress
🍷 More alcohol and caffeine, which trigger grinding
😴 Poor sleep routines
📅 End-of-year work pressure
🚗 More travel and reduced rest
🤯 Family stress and crowded social calendars
This combination puts your jaw under constant tension which is why so many patients seek help between November and January.
The Most Effective Way to Treat Teeth Grinding: A Custom Nightguard (London & Stanmore)
A custom-made nightguard is the most reliable and dentist-approved solution for bruxism.
It works by:
✔ Protecting enamel from further wear
✔ Reducing jaw tension
✔ Supporting joint alignment
✔ Preventing cracked teeth
✔ Improving quality of sleep
Unlike over-the-counter soft guards, a professional nightguard is:
• Durable
• Comfortable
• Tailored to your bite
• Long-lasting
• Designed to relieve muscle pressure
Many patients notice a dramatic reduction in jaw pain within days.
Home Tips to Reduce Jaw Pain During Stressful Holidays
Alongside professional treatment, these steps can help relieve symptoms:
🎄 Apply a warm compress to relax muscles
🎄 Limit caffeine and alcohol
🎄 Avoid chewing gum
🎄 Practise jaw relaxation exercises
🎄 Improve sleep habits
🎄 Stay hydrated
🎄 Reduce screen time & tech-neck posture
🎄 Book your dental check-up
Small habits make a big difference especially during stress-heavy months.
