Stress could make people grind their teeth without knowing.

Not coping with stress properly can lead to real problems with oral health as people tend to grind their teeth more, it has been claimed.

The CNN Wellness blog revealed in many cases, people who are stressed do not realise they are grinding their teeth as they do it in their sleep, but this does not mean the damage caused is any less severe.

Indeed, a study, led by Maria Giraki from Heinrich-Heine-University in Germany, showed individuals diagnosed with sleep bruxism could benefit from using bite plates to stop them grinding down their teeth during the night, as this can lead to increased sensitivity and long-term damage to the enamel.

Elsewhere, the Times recently reported that in many cases teeth grinding is a result of having an imperfect bite, although stress can also be a factor in a person increasing their tendency to grind their teeth.