If you grind your teeth in your sleep, our dentists might recommend a night guard to help protect your teeth. Teeth grinding, also known as , is common in people suffering from anxiety or stress, and has also been found in those with excessive alcohol use, tobacco use, sleep apnea, caffeine intake, and poor jaw alignment.
Symptoms of Bruxism
Although certain lifestyle factors can contribute to bruxism, anyone can develop this condition regardless of lifestyle. The problem with is that many people don’t realize they’re doing it until they’ve suffered some sort of consequence.
Here are a few things to look out for:
- Jaw stiffness or pain
- Earaches
- Cracks developing in teeth
- Facial pain
- Headaches
- Tooth sensitivity
- Feeling exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep
If you experience any of the above on a regular basis, you might grind your teeth in your sleep. Our dentists usually notice signs of wear on the teeth of patients with bruxism during their regular oral exams, and we’ll let you know if we think a night guard is necessary.
Night Guard Treatment
Night guards are a type of mouthguard that you can wear while you sleep. They are custom-made to suit your teeth, so they fit comfortably in the mouth and protect your teeth from grinding together. They also keep the jaw aligned in an optimal position, which may help some patients with sleep apnea.
It might take some time for you to get used to sleeping with your new night guard in your mouth. It’s important that you remember to wear the guard every night in order to reinforce the habit and adjust as quickly as possible.
Ready to Learn More?
Night guards are an easy way to treat bruxism and help you get a good night’s sleep. If you need a , call Advance Dental at (616) 956-9183 to make an appointment today.
