Excessive teeth grinding and jaw clenching, also known as bruxism, is an oral parafunctional activity. This unpleasant condition can cause damage to your teeth and jaw, disrupt your sleep, and even extend pain to other parts of the body, such as your ears, neck, and shoulders.
There are a number of different factors associated with bruxism. However, the main reason is believed to be stress and anxiety. Tooth grinding is generally observed in children and teenagers and occurs during the night.
The team at Smile Garden specializes in providing a comprehensive range of dental care services to ensure that all your needs are cared for with maximum precision and ultimate quality.
Causes and Symptoms
The most common cause of tooth grinding and jaw clenching is considered to be stress and anxiety. Yet, other conditions such as sleeping disorders, special medications, smoking, drinking, and drug abuse also play a major role in the development or intensification of bruxism symptoms.
Tooth grinding can be quite uncomfortable, leaving you with:
- Weakened tooth enamel or even fractured teeth
- Jaw, neck, and shoulder pain
- Headache
- Earache
- Sleep deprivation
- In more severe cases, face inflammation
You might suspect that you are grinding your teeth during sleep if you find signs of tooth sensitivity, prolonged pain in your jaw, neck, and shoulders, or when someone else tells you that you are doing so. If you are facing any of the symptoms above, you may need to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for bruxism take two different directions: psychological approach and dental care approach.
Psychological Approach:
You need to consult a GP for ways to reduce your stress and change your lifestyle, including quitting smoking and substance abuse and decreasing alcohol consumption.
Dental Care Approach:
You will have to visit a dental clinic and talk to a dentist about your condition. The dentist will advise you to wear night guards during your sleep to protect your teeth from further friction and damage.
These dental guards are custom-made to perfectly fit your teeth and feel comfortable in your mouth. The dentist will take impressions from your mouth to have the guards made based on the exact measures of your upper and lower jaw. After you get the night guards, you should wear them during sleep to prevent the damaging effects of tooth grinding and jaw clenching.
If you are searching for a modern clinic and a trusted team of dental specialists, Smile Garden is the answer to your needs. We offer comprehensive services in a friendly and professional setting, striving to exceed your expectations.
Schedule Your Bruxism Consultation in The Junction Toronto Today
Don’t let teeth grinding damage your smile or disrupt your sleep. At Smile Garden in The Junction Toronto, we provide effective bruxism treatment including custom night guards and teeth grinding treatment to protect your teeth and relieve jaw pain. Our experienced team will assess your condition and create a personalized treatment plan to help you stop grinding and clenching.
Schedule your next dental checkup with our caring and experienced team today.


