Do you ever wake up with sore teeth and aren’t sure why? Have you noticed small chips and cracks in your teeth but do not know how they got there? If so, you may suffer from Bruxism — also known as persistent teeth grinding. This is a particularly frustrating issue, but luckily we can provide you with a simple, yet helpful solution. In today’s blog, your Newport Beach, CA dentist discusses bruxism and describes the ways a night guard can help solve it before more damage occurs.
Understanding Bruxism
If you suffer from this disorder, there is a good chance you are unaware of it. This is because it typically happens while you are asleep, which makes it particularly difficult to diagnose until damage has occurred. If it gets bad enough, the sound of grinding and clenching can be so loud that it can wake up those you share a bedroom with. Bruxism can stem from a variety of sources, though the most common ones are emotional and environmental factors. Stress and anxiety, for instance, are often at the root of persistent teeth grinding. In other cases, jaw misalignment can also cause bruxism. No matter what causes this disorder, it is important to treat it as soon as possible. If left unmanaged, it can severely damage your teeth, resulting in the need for cosmetic procedures to repair your smile.
Additional Related Issues
Bruxism, alone, is frustrating to deal with, but it is unfortunately associated with other issues as well. As noted, it is also tied to jaw misalignment, which is known as TMJ Disorder. This is when the joints that connect your jaw to the base of your skull become unbalanced. In addition to causing bruxism, it can also prompt severe headaches and neck pain.
Sleep apnea is also related to bruxism. This is a condition in which your airways partially collapse while you are asleep, causing loud snoring. It also causes you to very briefly wake up hundreds of times a night, which can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule.
How We Treat It
To solve bruxism, we can craft you a custom-made night guard that you wear while you sleep. It is similar to those mouthguards worn for sports, but it is specially made for your unique smile. We take precise impressions of your mouth and create the appliance. You wear it at night, and it prevents your teeth from grinding a clenching — preventing more damage from occurring. Interestingly, sleep apnea and TMJ Disorder are also treated with similar oral appliances. These are particularly good options because they are so simple yet effective.
Learn More About Bruxism Treatment
If you have any questions about teeth grinding or how we can solve it with a night guard, please do not hesitate to reach out to us today. Schedule an appointment by calling Balboa Dental Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, today at 949-630-0143.
Recent Comments