Whether you know you do it or not, grinding your teeth can be an uncomfortable problem for both adults and children. Medically known as bruxism, this jaw clenching and grinding condition can damage your teeth and result in painful side effects. There are several ways to treat bruxism in hopes of halting this behavior before long-term damage is done.

First, you may wonder why you are grinding your teeth in the first place. Stress is identified as the most common cause in adults, while obstructive airways is often the culprit in children. Enlarged tonsils are the first thing dentist look for in kids who grind their teeth, which can usually be resolved by removing the tonsils.

There are numerous reasons you should want to stop teeth grinding. Some of the common results of this behavior include headaches, earaches, receding gums, worn teeth, need for root canals or other dental work, insomnia, tension, and anxiety. After you have been grinding your teeth consistently, your lower jaw will likely recede and can lead to a painful problem called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

Bruxism treatment varies from patient to patient, so you will need to work with your dentist to find what works for you. Medications sometimes help, including muscle relaxants or anti-depressants. Botox injections have also been known to successfully treat bruxism. Because teeth grinding can seriously damage your teeth, most dentists advise wearing a nightguard to protect them. It can be bought at drugstores or more advanced versions through your dentist. The goal is to choose one that fits comfortably so that you can sleep while wearing it, and offers full protection of your teeth.

With the help of your dentist, hopefully you can find a solution to your teeth grinding so that you no longer experience the side effects and can reduce its effects on your body.

General dentist in Toronto.