Bruxism/Night Guard
Protect Your Teeth from Grinding/Bruxism
Anyone who grinds and clenches their teeth during sleep may suffer from a condition known as sleep bruxism. Unconscious teeth grinding is a common problem and easily treatable, but many people may not realize just how simple it is to put a stop to jaw pain, headaches, and sore teeth. At Bethesda Family Dentistry in Bethesda, MD, we create customized night guards to protect oral health and improve quality of sleep.
Side Effects of Sleep Bruxism
Sleep bruxism is usually a chronic, unconscious habit that can lead to serious, painful side effects, including dental complications and daily pain. If you are living with any of the following symptoms, reach out to your dentist right away:
- Damaged or deteriorating dental work
- Worn tooth enamel
- Gum recession
- Broken or cracked teeth
- Lost fillings
- Tenderness when chewing
- Headaches
- Popping jaw joints
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but teeth are only meant to bite and chew food, not grind against each other during night after night of sleep. Bruxism requires an intervention to save yourself from oral health problems, dental damage, and discomfort.
Causes of Sleep Bruxism
There are many potential causes of sleep bruxism and the reason for this condition will vary for every patient. Your Bethesda dentist will work to uncover the cause of the teeth grinding first to make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Here are some of the most common causes of sleep bruxism:
- TMJ issues
- Bite problems
- Chronic stress
- Misalignment
- Crooked teeth
- Missing teeth
Even the healthiest, straightest smile can develop bruxism. Left untreated, this problem will cause oral health to deteriorate quickly. The solution for treating teeth grinding is easy and almost immediate with a customized night guard. Any oral health complications that occurred because of bruxism will still need to be corrected, but if you wear this appliance every night you will stop dental problems from progressing and prevent other complications from developing.
The Many Benefits of a Night Guard for Bruxism
A personalized night guard is customized to every patient’s dentition and mouth for a snug fit. It isn’t something you’ll be eager to wear out and about because this appliance is made of much thicker plastic than an Invisalign tray, but you won’t hesitate to pop in this mouthpiece when it’s time for sleep once you realize how many benefits it delivers.
- Made of smooth, clear plastic.
- Offers immediate relief from teeth grinding.
- Protects upper and lower teeth from each other.
- Delivers full coverage by fitting around all top teeth.
- Comfortable to wear while sleeping.
- Durable and long-lasting with good care.
Don’t be tempted to resort to an over-the-counter guard in place of a professional mouthpiece – you deserve and need quality fit and function in your night guard. At your dentist’s office, a mold is taken of your teeth and sent to the dental lab for development. Simple and effective. To keep your night guard working well, be sure to take it to your dentist occasionally during a teeth cleaning appointment to have them check it for damage and wear and tear.
Get a Night Guard for Bruxism in Bethesda
Teeth grinding, once the habit begins, is often consistent. And it doesn’t take long for your teeth to do damage to each other and develop full-fledged bruxism. If you experience any sort of jaw or tooth pain, soreness, aches, or damage to your teeth, contact Bethesda Family Dentistry right away.
It’s easy to get a teeth-grinding diagnosis – your dentist will be able to see right away if your teeth have been working too hard while you sleep. Take care of this problem now, and you’ll save yourself pain, dental complications, and the cost of repairing serious dental damage caused by bruxism.
Make an appointment today to discuss night guards and other preventive dentistry methods so you can develop and maintain a healthy, strong smile.
