Dental Conditions
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
A common sleep-related condition, usually undiagnosed until visible damage appears — because almost nobody knows they are doing it.
Symptoms to recognise
Most patients discover they grind when a dentist points out the wear pattern. By then, some damage has usually accumulated.
- ✓ Flattened, chipped, or fractured tooth surfaces
- ✓ Tooth sensitivity or pain with no obvious cause
- ✓ Jaw stiffness or soreness, particularly on waking
- ✓ Headaches that begin at the temples
- ✓ A partner who has heard you grinding at night
What it does over time
Untreated bruxism causes progressive enamel wear, fractures teeth, loosens and breaks existing restorations, and strains the temporomandibular joint.
The forces involved are considerably higher than normal chewing — and they are applied for hours, night after night, with no food between the teeth to absorb them.
Custom night guards are the main treatment
A custom-made night guard protects your teeth by intercepting the destructive forces before they reach your enamel and tooth structure.
A custom guard is made from an impression of your own teeth, so it fits closely and stays put — which is usually what decides whether someone keeps wearing it.
The process is straightforward: evaluation to identify your wear pattern, an impression or digital scan for the design, then fitting with adjustment and care instructions.
What else helps
Stress Management
Bruxism correlates strongly with stress. Addressing it reduces the underlying drive rather than only the damage.
Muscle Relaxation
Targeted techniques and, where indicated, physiotherapy for the jaw musculature.
Caffeine Reduction
Particularly in the evening, where it measurably increases nocturnal grinding for many people.
Bite Optimisation
Where an uneven bite is contributing, adjusting it removes one of the triggers.
Other conditions we treat
Concerned about your symptoms?
Book an assessment and a guard fitting. Call (905) 479-7777.