Regularly grinding teeth can put individuals at risk of needing emergency dentistry to repair tooth and jaw damage, according to one industry commentator.

Writing for the Chicago Tribune, Alison Johnson claimed that 20 per cent of adults suffer from the disorder and advised people on what to do to help prevent them from clenching their teeth at night.

Getting a professionally made mouthguard is a good idea she said, as they disable the ability to rub teeth together while sleeping.

More basic methods recommended included relaxing the mouth during the day by not clenching and attempting to reduce stress through exercise, deep breathing and meditation.

Equally beneficial are cutting out caffeine and alcohol before bed and unwinding with a bath or glass of warm milk, she suggested.

Ms Johnson explained that worn teeth, jaw pain, headaches and gum sensitivity are all signs of a grinding problem and it is important to seek medical guidance if the issue persists instead of relying on pain relief.

Dental splint specialist S4S will be running a campaign from October 25th to 31st to highlight the condition and raise awareness.