Night Guards
Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time. Occasional teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise.
Teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety but can also be caused by a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. Because grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw in the morning, could be a symptom of bruxism. Many times people learn that they grind their teeth by their loved one who hears the grinding at night.
Why Is Teeth Grinding Harmful?
In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in a fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. The chronic grinding may wear teeth down to stumps and more dental treatment may be needed. Also, expensive dental work as crowns and implants may be damaged overtime due to excessive forces applied during grinding. Not only can severe grinding damage teeth and result in tooth loss, it can also affect your jaws, cause or worsen TMD, and even change the appearance of your face.
What Can Be Done to Stop Grinding?
We can make a custom night guard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep. We have to take an impression of your teeth, send it to the lab and adjust the night guard until feels comfortable.
If stress is the cause, ask your doctor or us about options to reduce your stress. Attending stress counseling, starting an exercise program, seeing a physical therapist, or obtaining a prescription for muscle relaxants are among some of the options that may be offered.
If a sleeping disorder is causing the grinding, treating it may reduce or eliminate the grinding habit.
Other tips to help you stop teeth grinding include:
Avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate, black tea and coffee.
Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption.
Do not chew on pencils or pens or anything that is not food. Avoid chewing gum as it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind your teeth.
Train yourself not to clench or grind your teeth. If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth.
Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.
Sometimes you may be advised to take anti inflammatory medication as ibuprofen.