Your Guide to Bruxism Treatment
Grin and bear teeth grinding no more! Your friendly and skilled partners in oral health at Summit Dental Group in Boise, ID, offer easy-to-wear and easy-to-maintain oral appliances for bruxism. This condition is associated with numerous dental and quality-of-life complications. So, night guards provide much-needed and affordable relief from the potential damage caused by nocturnal teeth grinding.
Don’t sleep on bruxism
This semi-voluntary or involuntary grinding, gnashing, and clenching is often first noticed by dentists like our own Drs. Mooney, Studebaker, Ritchie, and Richardson. They may notice telltale signs of bruxism during dental check-ups and when examining the teeth and other oral structures. It’s estimated that those who brux exert some 200 to 300 pounds of pressure on their teeth! These forces show up as damage not limited to the following:
- Loss of dental tissues
- Thin enamel
- Exposed dentin
- Heightened tooth sensitivity
- Overly polished or smooth-looking teeth
- Wear and tear; for instance, shortened and flattened teeth
- Chips, fractures, and breakage
- Gum recession
- Loss of bony tissue
- Loose or shifting teeth
These conditions may lead to the need for restorative dental treatments, such as the placement of fillings, dental inlays, or partial or full crowns. These effects are not limited to the teeth, gums, and supportive bone. TMJ Dysfunction and bruxism are associated conditions. Chronically grinding the teeth can further stress the jaw joints and muscles. The result is habitual facial, jaw, back, and neck pain, as well as chronic migraines, jaw stiffness, and locking, and other chronic symptoms that interfere with your quality of life.
Wake up to sweet relief
Night guards represent a type of “oral appliance therapy.” They resemble a retainer, aligner, or whitening tray, designed to conform to your mouth. Since they fit so well and are so lightweight, many of our patients have no problems adjusting to sleeping with them. The durable yet lightweight material acts as a buffer when you bite down. Your teeth and other tissues are protected from the full forces generated when bruxing. Those with TMJ symptoms may also notice an improvement in the severity and frequency of conditions like migraines.
Call 208-345-8962 today for a real solution to distressing symptoms that is affordable, non-invasive, comfortable, portable, and hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does a night guard help with teeth grinding?
A night guard creates a barrier between your teeth to prevent enamel wear from grinding or clenching during sleep. It also helps reduce jaw pain and headaches.
Q. How can I tell if I need a night guard?
If you wake up with sore jaws, headaches, or notice flat or chipped teeth, you may be grinding your teeth at night. A dental exam can confirm this and determine the right solution.
Q. Are custom night guards better than store-bought ones?
Yes. Custom night guards are designed to fit your bite precisely, making them more effective and comfortable than over-the-counter options.
Q. Can a night guard help relieve TMJ discomfort?
In many cases, yes. Night guards help reduce pressure on the jaw joints and muscles, which can ease TMJ-related symptoms and improve comfort.
Q. How do I clean my night guard properly?
Rinse it after each use and clean it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Store it in a dry, ventilated case when not in use.
