Grinding and Clenching - Nightguards North York

Grinding and Clenching – Nightguards in North York

Tooth grinding causes many dental problems if you’re part of the 25 percent of the population that experiences it. Most people with bruxism (grinding and clenching) don’t exhibit any immediate symptoms but show wear on their teeth and gum line that indicates the problem. Only 5 percent display painful symptoms, which vary from extreme headaches to ear, tooth or jaw pain. North York family dentist Dr. Nubia Diaz recommends wearing a nightguard to prevent further deterioration of teeth, gums and the jawbones if grindning or clenching is occuring.

Identification of problems:

1. If you grind your teeth in the night, you may wake up with painful teeth or jaws. If there is no pain to alert you, your spouse may tell you that you grind because the noise keeps her awake or your dentist may notice signs during a dental exam. Dentists don’t agree on the origination of bruxism. Various theories link it to emotional stress, misalignment of the jaw, genetics, allergies or intake of caffeine, tobacco or amphetamines. Night guards prevent much of the pressure on the teeth.
2. Watch out for further damage. Tooth grinding often occurs in children. Sometimes bruxism goes away by the time children reach the age of 10, other times it becomes worse. The alignment of the permanent teeth dictates the difference. Those with serious malocclusion seem to be candidates for the problem. This occurs most of the time at night because it’s a subconscious neuromuscular disorder. Braces often prevent tooth grinding later in life.
3. Keep the Temporomandibular Joint (or TMJ joint) in neutral position with a night guard fitted to your mouth. Night guards that are custom fit by dentists leave the temporomandibular joint in neutral position. The guard trains the joint to relax and relieves a lot of the pressure

Dr. Nubia Diaz can provide relief for patients who grind or clench their teeth through fabrication of a nightguard. These guards are usually worn at night while sleeping, but some patients may need to wear them during the day. They are made of either a hard or soft material. Toronto dentist  Dr. Nubia Diaz will determine the type of guard needed by the wear on the teeth and by the health of the TMJ. Call for an appointment (416)636-4227.

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