Yes. But it’s not destiny. With local know-how, a night guard, and daily habits, you can keep enamel strong
The Honest Connection: Teeth Grinding and Cavities
Teeth grinding—or bruxism—is something many Londoners face. It isn’t just a dentist’s buzzword: it’s a habit hiding in plain sight. What happens every night isn’t just a “clash of jaws” – it’s a tiny war on your teeth.
Why is grinding risky?
- Your teeth are shielded by enamel—a bit like an umbrella against London rain.
- Grinding wears this umbrella thin. Soon, you’re vulnerable to every “acid shower”—from your morning tea to hidden sugars in that high-street treat.
- Once enamel is chipped or cracked, bacteria move in fast, sneaking into places a toothbrush can’t reach.
- Less enamel + more bacteria = recipe for cavities.
Secret Signs
Imagine Ellie in Greenwich, who never knew she ground her teeth until her dentist noticed her flattened molars. “But I brush twice a day!” she protested. Turns out, diligent hygiene can’t always protect enamel from nightly grinding.
Do you wake with jaw ache? Notice mystery sensitivity when sipping cold tap water? These can be clues.
How Cavities Settle In
It starts subtly. The enamel thins out—sometimes faster than most realise. Small chips form, bacteria find cozy pockets, and the battle for your tooth begins. Over time, these bacteria feast on leftover sugars (think late-night caramel shortbread) and leave acid waste: this attacks the tooth’s softer layer (dentin).
London Lifestyle Risk Factors
City life isn’t always gentle:
- Stress:Tube delays, work emails—stress levels rise, and the jaw clenches.
- Diet:Sugar is everywhere, from flat whites to hidden sweeteners.
- Sleep apocalypse:Poor London sleep (city lights, midnight noise) means more grinding.
Prevention: Small Changes, Big Results
- Night Guards:These custom shields let you fight the grind without waking up sore.
- Stress-busting:Swap mindless scrolling for evening walks by the Thames or deep-breathing.
- Dental Checkups:Don’t wait for pain. London’s clinics are ready for quick, no-fuss exams.
- Healthy Habits:Rinse after eating, cut back on sugar, keep hydrated (London tap is your friend).
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