Nightguards: The Affordable Yet Effective Treatment For Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Do you constantly grind your teeth at night? Mild teeth grinding and jaw clenching, technically called bruxism, may not be something to worry about. However, moderate to severe bruxism can cause serious problems for your smile and overall well-being. If left untreated, bruxism can damage your teeth and put you at risk of health complications like TMJ disorder.
If you are in Dothan, Alabama, don’t let bruxism wreak havoc on your oral health. When visiting Southern Pine Dental for your upcoming regular dental check-up, mention to Drs. Durwood Nowell Jr. and Brooke Bell about your condition. We offer customized nightguards to keep bruxism in check.
Consequences of teeth grinding
Tooth grinding often goes unnoticed because this detrimental oral habit occurs subconsciously as you sleep. Occasionally, your bed partner may notice your nighttime teeth grinding, or you may be aware of it during the day if you suffer from awakened bruxism.
Otherwise, watch out for the symptoms below.
- Dental damage — when teeth grind against each other, the friction created causes cracks and chips. You may also experience increased tooth sensitivity because of the worn-down enamel.
- Pains and headaches — teeth grinding overworks your jaw muscles and joints, resulting in headaches and aches in the neck, jaw, and face.
- Crooked teeth — bruxism-induced pressure can cause teeth to move and shift out of alignment. This can result in overcrowding or an uneven bite.
- Receding gums — bruxism doesn’t just damage teeth. Grinding can loosen teeth, creating gaps around the gums that become breeding grounds for gum disease-causing bacteria.
As you can see, bruxism isn’t just a mere inconvenience. While you may not know you have it, this doesn’t mean it doesn’t cause damage. When you suspect teeth grinding, don’t delay treatment. Early intervention saves you from costly restorative treatments like root canals and dental crowns. In severe cases, bruxism can result in tooth loss, necessitating teeth replacement treatments like dental implants.
Bruxism treatment with a nightguard
The good news is that bruxism can be treated without invasive procedures. Once we diagnose you with bruxism, a customized nightguard is usually the go-to treatment. Made after taking your bite impressions, a personalized mouthguard snugly fits over your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from rubbing against each other.
A bruxism mouthguard absorbs the grinding pressure, allowing your jaw muscles and joints to relax and heal. After a few days of this treatment, many patients experience reduced headaches and jaw pain. The dental guard also protects your teeth from chips and cracks.
Wake up to the protective powers of a bruxism nightguard
If you wake up with a sore jaw or headache, bruxism could be the culprit. Don’t brush away the symptoms because bruxism can cause irreversible damage to your smile. Instead, call (334) 794-0348 to schedule an appointment with Southern Pine Dental for treatment.
