Are you Clenching or Grinding your Teeth?

Bruxism is the dental term for teeth grinding and/or clenching and it is estimated to affect about 8-31% of the adult population and up to about 49% of children. Many people who grind or clench their teeth are unaware that it's going on because it may not be obvious to link symptoms like headache(s) or soreness to something that happens when they're asleep.

And sometimes, a person could be asymptomatic or free from showing any symptoms.

Whether or not family members report hearing the sound of grinding teeth at night, your mouth will nevertheless show signs of it.  

Here are some of the common clues we look out for when we conduct a dental examination and/or check-up:

• Excessive wear and tear.

• Damage to teeth or dental restorations (e.g. visible cracks or chips on the teeth, broken teeth, broken fillings/crowns, etc).  It's especially important to pay attention when it seems to always happen!

• Torus Mandibularis: a bony growth on the lower jaw, under the tongue. 

What can you do about it?

If you suspect that you may be grinding or clenching your teeth, book yourself an appointment at (416) 222-4762.  We can arrange an examination for you as well as recommend treatment options like getting a custom-fitted TENS night guard to protect your teeth from damage.

Benefits of a TENS Night Guard

• Uniquely modeled to your dental anatomy, our night guards are much more comfortable to use than those over-the-counter 'one-size-fits-most' mouth guards.

• Our special tensing technique allows us to take impression when your jaw is at its most comfortable, relaxed position that best mimics where your jaw settles when you sleep.

• Protects your teeth from knocking together, preserving the integrity of your natural teeth as well as existing restorations

Call us to book your examination today: (416) 226-6688.