Do you ever wake up with a tight jaw or headache? If so, you may be grinding your teeth when you sleep. More and more people are showing signs of a chronic disorder called bruxism and most don’t even realize it until the damage is done. In today’s blog, we discuss ways to protect your teeth with a night guard. Reach out to a helpful team of dental professionals at Cedar West Dental in Richfield, MN in order to discuss your options in treatment.
What is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a hard or softer piece of slim plastic that fits over the teeth to protect them as you sleep. To protect your jaw joints and ensure the best fit, a custom occlusal guard can be made by our team. The process involves taking impressions which are then used to make the perfect guard for your teeth and occlusion. Since they are custom-made, they are comfortable, slim, BPA-free, and will be adjusted by the dentist to fit properly with all your teeth. There are over-the-counter guards, but they often cause more jaw discomfort due to poor fitting.
How Can Grinding Affect My Teeth?
Damage caused by teeth grinding can be severe and painful. Signs include flattened cusps, root exposure, sensitive dentin exposure, jaw pain, and headaches. Prompt attention to the small changes to the tooth structure early on is important to prevent larger and more costly dental damage. A night guard will reduce the occlusal forces that cause tooth damage and jaw pain.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Some individuals grind or clench during times of stress. Perhaps driving through traffic or having a frustrating encounter. Others may have a chronic condition called bruxism where grinding occurs on a regular basis during sleep. A misaligned occlusion or jaw often causes this painful condition. To prevent headaches and damage to the jaw joints a properly fit custom occlusal guard can help.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you suspect that you may be damaging your teeth by clenching or grinding, do something before the damage is too great. For more information on how an oral appliance can help you to protect your teeth and jaw, speak to Cedar West Dental in Richfield, MN today at (612)861-7188.
