Awake clenching
Often during work, driving or stress.
- Noticed as a tight jaw
- Habit changes help most
Gangnam Seoul · Jaw and bite care in English
Teeth Clenching Treatment in Gangnam Seoul
Tight jaw, sore teeth or headaches? Clenching is common, often linked to stress — and there is a lot you can do to protect your teeth.
In short: teeth clenching is pressing the teeth together hard, during the day or in your sleep. It can cause jaw pain, headaches, sensitive or cracked teeth. Treatment focuses on protecting the teeth — often with a night guard — repairing any damage, and building habits that relax the jaw.
English-speaking team · Saturday appointments · Cheongdam Station Exit 14
3D CT imaging
To check teeth and jaw joints when needed
- SNU-trained Every dentist trained at Seoul National University
- In English Diagnosis and aftercare explained in English
- Since 1996 30 years in Gangnam
- NHIS · TRICARE Plus major private insurers
Understanding clenching
What is teeth clenching?
At rest, your teeth should be slightly apart. Clenching holds them tightly together, overworking the jaw muscles and stressing the teeth.
It is a form of bruxism. Daytime clenching often happens while concentrating; night-time clenching is often combined with grinding.
Sleep clenching
Happens without you knowing.
- Sore jaw or headache on waking
- A night guard protects teeth
Warning signs
Signs you may be clenching
- Tired or aching jaw muscles
- Headaches around the temples
- Sensitive, cracked or worn teeth
- Clicking or pain near the ear (jaw joint)
- Ridges on the cheek or tongue
Common triggers
Why people clench
- Stress, anxiety and long screen work
- Concentration or heavy exercise
- Caffeine, alcohol and smoking
- Poor sleep
- Some medicines
How we help
Managing clenching, step by step.
We start with simple, reversible steps.
- 1
Examination
Teeth, muscles and jaw joints checked.
Visit 1 - 2
Imaging
X-rays or 3D CT if needed.
Visit 1 - 3
Protection
A night guard if you clench in sleep.
About a week - 4
Repairs
Cracked or worn teeth restored.
If needed - 5
Review
Symptoms and guard checked.
Follow-up
Options at a glance
Ways to manage clenching
Most people need a mix of these. Your dentist will advise what suits you.
| Option | Helps with | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Habit awareness | Daytime clenching | "Lips together, teeth apart" reminders during the day |
| Night guard | Sleep clenching | A custom tray that protects the teeth at night |
| Jaw care | Muscle pain | Warm compresses, soft foods, gentle stretches |
| Repairs | Damaged teeth | Fillings or crowns for cracked or worn teeth |
| Medical referral | Sleep or jaw-joint problems | Advice to see a sleep or jaw-joint specialist |
For international patients
Jaw pain while living or travelling in Seoul
Our English coordinator, Ms. Choi, arranges visits around your schedule — Saturdays included.
- Expats & residents: we confirm costs before treatment.
- Insurance: we work with Korean NHIS, the TRICARE Dental Program and major private insurers, and provide English receipts.
A typical plan
- Before you arrive
Message us on WhatsApp or email.
- Visit 1
Examination and advice.
- About a week
Night guard fitted, if needed.
- Ongoing
Review at check-ups.
Short on time? Tell us your travel dates when you book and we will advise what is realistic.
Everyday habits
Relaxing your jaw day to day
Small changes add up:
- Keep teeth apart and the tongue resting behind the upper teeth
- Take screen breaks and check your jaw
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
- Avoid chewing gum and very tough foods while sore
- Wear your night guard as advised
Questions patients ask us
Teeth clenching FAQ
Is clenching the same as grinding?
Both are forms of bruxism. Clenching is pressing the teeth together; grinding is moving them side to side. Many people do both.
Can clenching cause headaches?
Yes. Overworked jaw muscles can cause headaches, especially around the temples and in the morning.
Will a night guard help daytime clenching?
A night guard protects your teeth at night. Daytime clenching is mainly helped by awareness and habit changes.
Can clenching damage my teeth?
Yes. Strong forces can wear enamel, cause sensitivity and crack teeth or fillings.
When should I see a dentist?
If you have jaw pain, morning headaches, sensitive or chipped teeth, or a clicking jaw — early checks help prevent damage.
Where are you and how do I book?
3F Samgang Building, 704 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu — right outside Exit 14 of Cheongdam Station (Line 7). We are open Mon–Fri 9:30–18:00 and Saturday 9:00–13:00. Book on WhatsApp at +82 10-9325-2875.
Related treatments
More ways to protect your teeth
Come and say hello
Tight jaw or sore teeth?
Message us in English and we'll find a time that suits you.
- Address
- 3F Samgang Building, 704 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Subway
- Cheongdam Station (Line 7), right outside Exit 14
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 9:30–18:00 (lunch 12:30–13:00)
Saturday 9:00–13:00 (no lunch break)
Closed Sundays & public holidays - +82 10-9325-2875
- Phone
- +82 10-9325-2875
This page is for general information and does not replace an examination by a dentist. A Plus Dental Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul · Since 1996 · Last updated October 2026
