I have recently started to grind my teeth in my sleep.

Why would this happen and what can I do about it?

It is estimated that nearly 70% of tooth grinding (bruxism) occurs as a result of stress or anxiety that is affecting people subconsciously during sleep. Bruxism can also happen when there is a problem with your top and bottom teeth coming together. Having teeth that are missing or crooked can also prompt you to grind your teeth.

Teeth grinding may be more prevalent in people who indulge in alcohol or tobacco.

Treatment aims to address any underlying cause. For example, it may involve managing stress or anxiety through counselling or other talking therapies, by using relaxation techniques or (in some cases) by taking medication such as a muscle relaxant. You may want to try a number of measures to wind down before you go to bed.

Your dentist may fit a mouth device called a splint or guard, which will even out your bite and protect your teeth.

I think I may have injured my ribs playing rugby. What can I do?

You can care for this injury at home. Ribs can't be splinted like other bones, so they should be left to heal naturally. They should heal within 4-6 weeks.

Bruised, cracked or broken ribs will feel painful every time you breathe in, cough or sneeze. You may feel you can only take shallow breaths, but it's important that you try to breathe normally and allow your lungs to expand fully. Taking shallow breaths and avoiding coughing will only put you at risk of a chest infection.

You may need to take some time off work, especially if your work involves physical labour or the pain is severe.

You can control the pain by regularly taking over-the-counter painkilllers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen

Also, you can hold an ice pack to your chest to reduce the pain and any swelling.

Seek medical help immediately if the pain worsens or if you have shortness of breath or an increase in chest pain.

WHAT IS... REDEYE?

The most likely cause of a painless red eye is conjunctivitis. The next most likely cause is a burst blood vessel.

Conjunctivitis can be caused by an irritant or an infection. Allergic conjunctivitis will usually affect both eyes and is intensely itchy, while viral conjunctivitis tends to affect one eye first, with redness developing in the second eye a few days later. Bacterial conjunctivitis will usually cause a sticky discharge from the eye. Treatment will depend on which type of conjunctivitis you have

Straining or coughing can sometimes cause a blood vessel to burst on the eye surface, causing a bright red blotch. It looks alarming, but should clear up on its own within several weeks.