Teeth Grinding in Markham, ON

If you notice wear and tear on your enamel and consistently experience headaches or jaw pain when you wake up, you may be grinding your teeth. This behavior has seemingly become more common among patients over the years due to stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, this is not only a display of psychological issues you should explore, but it can also be seriously detrimental to your teeth.

Despite typically relaxing at night as we sleep, unconscious thoughts can lead to teeth grinding and, eventually, dental concerns. TMJ disorder is pain and stiffness in your jaw joints caused by ongoing, excessive force applied to them. Our team can usually determine from an exam whether you are grinding your teeth and make recommendations in response to this bad habit.

How do you know that you're grinding your teeth?

It may not always be clear to us when we have a problem. Even if you share your bed with a partner, he or she may be sleeping through it simultaneously. Since teeth grinding typically occurs while an individual is sleeping, you may miss it altogether if you are not looking for any indications.

Some of the possible signs are:

How to manage and treat teeth grinding

Ongoing or specific stress, whether personal or professional, can ultimately lead you to grind your teeth at night. But there are a variety of ways to help prevent the causes and manage the symptoms:

Confide in someone you trust
Seek professional help from a counsellor
Exercise for relief
Take up a sport
Relax with a massage
Invest in a custom-made nightguard

A night guard is a dental appliance designed to protect your teeth when you sleep. While you can purchase one in some sporting goods or retail stores, seeking a custom-fit from your dentist will provide better relief and more comfort. That is because we use a thin and malleable plastic that indeed forms to your mouth, reducing the impact of any force from teeth grinding.

Why you should choose us

At 7 Days Dental, our team is committed to offering quality care to our patients. Some dental treatments are necessary when you present an oral health issue. However, in teeth grinding in Markham, ON, we try to focus more on preventing further dental problems by designing a night-guard just for you.

If you decide this is the best option for you, we will take digital impressions of your mouth and send off the results to a laboratory. It may take a few weeks once you receive your night guard to fully adjust, but we strongly encourage you to wear it to help protect your enamel and jaw from teeth grinding in Markham.

Book an assessment in Markham

Jaw pain, toothaches, headaches, and worn down enamel are all signs you may be teeth grinding. At 7 Days Dental, our team can examine whether this is the case and suggest some treatment options. Dental bonding and veneers work to cover up damage already created, while orthodontics can help if your bite is misaligned.

Ultimately, the most effective dental tool we can suggest is usually a custom-fit night guard. Addressing the reasons behind your teeth grinding in Markham, ON, and using an appliance to help cushion the impact, will often reduce the effects. Feel free to contact us for an appointment to discuss any dental concerns with our dentists and team members.

Frequently Asked Questions — Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

What is teeth grinding (bruxism)?

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, typically during sleep. It can lead to worn enamel, jaw pain, headaches, and other dental issues.

What signs indicate someone is grinding their teeth?

Common warning signs include worn-down or cracked teeth, frequent jaw soreness, morning headaches, increased tooth sensitivity, and damaged dental work like fillings or veneers.

How is bruxism treated?

The most common treatment is a custom-fitted night guard, which cushions your teeth and absorbs grinding forces. Stress management techniques, such as counseling or relaxation strategies, may also help.

Do night guards for grinding cost much?

Prices vary depending on materials and customization. While custom night guards cost more than store-bought versions, they are more comfortable, provide better protection, and often last longer, making them cost-efficient over time.

Are night guards covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans partially cover night guards when grinding is diagnosed by a dentist. Over-the-counter options are rarely covered. It’s best to consult your insurance provider about your specific plan.

Can grinding lead to serious dental damage?

Yes. Persistent bruxism can cause cracked teeth, damaged restorations, jaw joint strain, and longer-term bite problems if not addressed in time.

When should someone see a dentist about grinding?

Consider seeing a dentist if you experience consistent toothaches, visible wear on teeth, unexplained jaw pain, or headaches—especially if you suspect nighttime grinding.