#Dentistry

Millions of adults wake up with jaw aches, tooth wear, or a harsh scraping sound from their sleep partner’s side of the bed. Sleep bruxism, the medical term for grinding or clenching teeth at night, has long puzzled clinicians: is it a harmless habit, a symptom of a sleep disorder, or a driver of dental wear that needs urgent protection? A wave of new syntheses and reviews in recent years has started to clarify what we know—and what we still don’t—about this common condition. The lead from a recent Guardian wellness piece highlights practical steps that people can take today: regulate stress, improve sleep hygiene, and seek protective dental solutions when needed. The latest research supports that approach while also adding nuance about diagnosis, associated health factors, and the limits of current treatments. For Thai readers, where family life, work stress, and traditional health practices intersect, these findings offer a timely frame for conversations at home and in clinics.

Thailand’s dental tourism market is growing, but safety concerns and hidden costs are prompting a clearer look at standards. A recent SBS Insight story follows an Australian patient in Bangkok who sought extensive restorative work. The experience raised questions about post-procedure care, transparency, and patient responsibility in a booming sector that also promises affordable dental work and renowned hospitality.

Travelers are drawn to Thailand for lower prices, modern clinics, and shorter waiting times. The country has earned a reputation as a dental tourism hub, supported by a robust hospitality sector. Procedures like crowns, veneers, and implants can cost significantly less than in Australia or the United States. Yet the promise of an affordable, painless smile can clash with real-world outcomes when care standards vary.