Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treatment in Burlington
Jaw clenching treatment starts with a dental exam of your teeth, jaw muscles and jaw joint. Depending on what we find, options for clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism) may include habit guidance and, for some patients, therapeutic botulinum toxin A (a neuromodulator) from Dr. Jared Nabeta or Dr. Kaitlin McCann. You decide after hearing the risks and alternatives, including no treatment.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism means clenching or grinding the teeth. Sleep bruxism happens during sleep, often without the person knowing. Awake bruxism is usually clenching or bracing the jaw during the day, for example while concentrating, driving or working at a screen. Both can put extra load on the teeth and the chewing muscles.
Common causes and contributing factors
Clenching and grinding usually have more than one cause. Factors that may play a part include:
- stress and a busy or demanding routine
- concentration habits, such as bracing the jaw while focused on a task
- sleep-related factors (if a sleep problem is suspected, we suggest discussing it with your physician)
- caffeine, alcohol and tobacco
- some medications
- TMD (temporomandibular disorders), which affect the jaw joint and chewing muscles
Signs you may be clenching or grinding
- a sore, stiff or tired jaw, especially on waking
- headache at the temples, often in the morning
- worn, flattened, chipped or cracked teeth
- tooth sensitivity
- tender or firm jaw muscles
- clicking in the jaw joint
- a partner or family member hearing grinding at night
If you notice any of these, a dental exam can help sort out what is going on. New, severe or changing headache should be checked by a physician.
How we assess clenching and grinding
- Consultation: we review your medical, dental and headache history and examine your teeth, jaw muscles, jaw joint and bite.
- Treatment plan: your dentist explains the options that may suit you, with their risks and alternatives, so you can make an informed decision.
- Treatment and follow-up: if you choose treatment, we explain aftercare and book a follow-up visit.
Treatment options
Not every option suits every person. Recommendations are made only after an in-person assessment, and results vary from person to person.
Habit guidance for daytime clenching
Many people clench during the day without noticing. Your dentist may suggest:
- a resting jaw position: lips together, teeth apart, jaw relaxed
- simple reminders to check your jaw during the day (for example, at your desk or in the car)
- looking at evening caffeine and alcohol
- stress-management strategies that work for you
Muscle-relaxing injections into the jaw muscles (therapeutic neuromodulator treatment)
For some patients, a prescription medication called a neuromodulator is injected into specific jaw muscles, such as the masseter, to reduce how strongly they contract. This treatment is provided by Dr. Jared Nabeta, General Dentist, and Dr. Kaitlin McCann, General Dentist.
- Suitability: depends on your assessment and health history. It is not suitable for everyone.
- Possible side effects: tenderness, bruising or swelling at the injection site, headache, and temporary weakness or tiredness when chewing. Less often, the medication can affect nearby muscles.
- How long it lasts: the effect is temporary, so repeat appointments may be discussed.
- Alternatives: habit guidance, physiotherapy, or no treatment.
All of this is reviewed with you before any decision.
Care alongside other health professionals
When it may help, we refer to, or work alongside, your physician, a physiotherapist or another health professional.
Fees and insurance
We are a fee-for-service office, and we submit claims to your insurance for you. Fees are explained at the consultation, before any treatment. What is covered depends on your plan.
Related pages
Visit us
Nabeta Dentistry, Unit 3, 2202 Industrial St, Burlington, ON L7P 0N6. Phone 905-639-6701. Patients come to us from Oakville, Waterdown, Hamilton and Milton, and there is parking on site.
Hours: Monday 8–7, Tuesday to Thursday 8–5.
Frequently asked questions
What can a dentist do for jaw clenching?
Options include habit guidance for daytime clenching and, for some patients, therapeutic neuromodulator treatment. Working alongside a physiotherapist or your physician may also be suggested. Your dentist explains the risks and alternatives of each, including no treatment, so you can decide.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common signs include waking with a sore or tired jaw, headache at the temples in the morning, worn, flattened or chipped teeth, tooth sensitivity, and a partner hearing grinding sounds. A dental exam can check for tooth wear and tender jaw muscles.
Can teeth grinding cause headaches or migraines?
Clenching and grinding can contribute to headache, often felt at the temples in the morning, and some people have both bruxism and migraine. Migraine is diagnosed by a physician. A dental exam checks your jaw muscles, jaw joint and teeth.
Do you offer botulinum toxin A for teeth grinding?
Yes, for some patients. Therapeutic botulinum toxin A is a prescription neuromodulator, given by injection after a full assessment, that temporarily reduces how strongly the treated muscles contract. It is provided by Dr. Jared Nabeta and Dr. Kaitlin McCann. Side effects and alternatives are reviewed first.
Do I need a referral?
No. You do not need a referral for a consultation about clenching, grinding, jaw pain or TMD. We are a fee-for-service office and submit claims to your insurance for you. Call 905-639-6701 to book.
Questions About Clenching or Grinding?
If you have questions about clenching, grinding, jaw pain or TMD, book a consultation with one of our general dentists. You can also read about jaw clenching, TMD and jaw pain care at our office.
Treatment for migraine is offered only for migraine diagnosed by a physician, alongside the patient’s physician.