Grinding and Clenching

Problems We Treat

Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw, also known as bruxism, can have a detrimental effect on your dental health, causing headaches, jaw pain, and potentially leading to more serious conditions. Dr. Ash and his team understand the impact of these habits and provide comprehensive solutions to help alleviate the associated symptoms and protect your dental health.

What Causes Grinding and Clenching

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can result from several factors:

  1. Stress and Anxiety: These are the most common causes, especially for adults.
  2. Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea can lead to teeth grinding during sleep.
  3. Lifestyle Factors: Consumption of alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco can increase the likelihood of grinding and clenching.
  4. Abnormal Bite or Crooked Teeth: Misaligned teeth or an abnormal bite can cause you to grind or clench your teeth.

Recommendations to Prevent Grinding and Clenching

Here are a few steps you can take to help prevent or reduce teeth grinding and jaw clenching:

  1. Reduce Stress: This might involve regular exercise, relaxation techniques, or stress management therapies.
  2. Avoid Stimulants: Limiting consumption of caffeine and alcohol can help reduce grinding and clenching.
  3. Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular visits to Dr. Ash can help detect signs of bruxism early.

How We Treat Grinding and Clenching

Depending on the severity of your condition, Dr. Ash might recommend one or more of the following treatment options:

  1. Night Guards: These custom-made dental appliances can protect your teeth from grinding during sleep.
  2. Crowns: For teeth that have been damaged due to grinding or clenching, crowns can restore their shape, size, and function.

Our approach is to provide personalized care tailored to your needs.

Waterloo Dental Clinic

Waterloo Dental Clinic