Ground Down Teeth – Causes & Treatment in Basingstoke
Do your teeth feel shorter than they used to? Have you noticed flattened edges, sensitivity, or even small cracks in your enamel? If so, it’s possible you may be grinding your teeth – often during sleep – and gradually wearing them down. At Hampshire Dental Care, we help patients with ground down teeth find long-term relief, protect their smile, and restore comfort and confidence.
Whether the wear is cosmetic, functional or causing discomfort when chewing or speaking, we’ll assess the damage carefully and guide you through the best options to restore and protect your smile.
What Causes Teeth to Become Ground Down?
Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common habit that many people don’t even realise they have. It often happens at night or during times of stress, and over time it can cause significant damage to your teeth, jaw joints and surrounding muscles. Thankfully, there are straightforward ways to manage the issue and repair the effects of grinding in a safe, conservative way.
The most common cause is involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth – often while sleeping. Other contributing factors can include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea
- Misaligned teeth or bite issues
- Caffeine or alcohol before bed
- Medications that affect muscle activity or sleep
Over time, the repeated pressure can flatten the chewing surfaces, chip the enamel, and even cause small fractures. If left untreated, this can lead to sensitivity, jaw pain, and difficulty eating comfortably.
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth
Because bruxism often happens at night, many people are unaware they’re doing it. Some signs to look out for include:
Teeth that appear flattened, shortened or chipped
Increased sensitivity to hot, cold or pressure
Aching jaw, especially in the mornings
Headaches or facial tension upon waking
Clicking or tightness in the jaw joint (TMJ)
Cracks or lines in the enamel
Broken fillings or worn dental work
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, we recommend booking an assessment to catch the issue early and avoid further damage.
How We Treat Ground Down Teeth
At Hampshire Dental Care, we focus on both protecting the teeth and restoring them where necessary. Treatment plans are always tailored to your needs and may include:
Custom Night Guard (Occlusal Splint)
This is often the first step. A custom-fitted guard is worn at night to prevent grinding and absorb the pressure between the teeth. It’s a simple but effective way to protect both natural teeth and dental work from further wear.
Composite Bonding
For minor to moderate wear, we can rebuild the teeth using a tooth-coloured composite material. This restores shape, protects against sensitivity, and improves appearance in a minimally invasive way.
Crowns or Onlays
Where teeth have been significantly worn or compromised, we may recommend placing a crown tooth or onlay. These protect the underlying tooth and restore full function while blending in naturally with your smile.
Bite Adjustment or Orthodontic Review
In cases where an uneven bite is contributing to grinding, adjusting the bite or considering orthodontic treatment (such as Invisalign) may help correct the underlying issue.
Lifestyle and Stress Management Advice
We can also discuss ways to reduce stress-related clenching and make changes to your routine that may reduce grinding frequency – especially before bedtime.
Why It’s Important to Treat Ground Down Teeth
Treat Ground Down Teeth
Bruxism is more than just a bad habit—it’s a functional problem that can impact your quality of life. Left untreated, it can lead to:
- Persistent tooth sensitivity
- Fractured teeth or fillings
- Jaw joint problems (TMJ dysfunction)
- Aged or uneven appearance to the smile
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Ongoing damage requiring more complex treatment
By addressing it early, we can prevent further wear and give you back control over your oral health.
Why Choose Hampshire Dental Care?
Our team combines clinical expertise with a calm, supportive approach. We’re here to identify the causes of grinding, protect your teeth from future damage, and help you feel confident about your smile again. Whether you need a night guard, repair work, or a more involved treatment plan, we’ll always explain your options clearly and tailor your care to your priorities.
We’ve supported many patients across Basingstoke and the surrounding area through their bruxism journey, and we’re proud to offer practical, long-lasting solutions – without judgement or pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stop grinding my teeth?
We can’t always stop the habit entirely, especially if it’s stress-related or linked to sleep. But we can minimise the damage and relieve the pressure on your teeth and jaw with treatments like a night guard.
Is a night guard uncomfortable to wear?
Not at all. Our night guards are custom-made to fit comfortably and securely. Most patients adapt to wearing them quickly and notice a big difference in symptoms.
Do I need a crown on every tooth?
No. We only recommend crown tooth restorations where the damage is too extensive for a simple repair. In many cases, bonding or onlays may be enough.
Will my teeth grow back after being ground down?
Tooth enamel does not grow back. That’s why protecting and restoring the teeth is so important once the wear has started.
How do I know if I’m grinding my teeth at night?
You might not realise it—but symptoms such as jaw pain, worn teeth, morning headaches, or even your partner hearing you grind can be clues. A dental exam can confirm the diagnosis.
If you suspect your teeth are being worn down by grinding – or you’ve already noticed visible changes – we’re here to help. Book a consultation at our Basingstoke clinic and let’s create a treatment plan that protects your smile now and into the future.
