If you’ve been waking up with a headache or sore jaw, you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep, a condition known as bruxism. If not addressed, bruxism can cause a host of oral health problems. Talk to your trusted team at Dental Care of Greensboro about your treatment options so you can enjoy restful and refreshing sleep once again!
Bruxism Overview
Bruxism involves excessively grinding or clenching your teeth and often occurs in your sleep. You may be unaware of it, but a family member or significant other may hear you grinding away. Bruxism usually results from worry, stress, a sleep disorder, an abnormal bite, missing or crooked teeth, or taking certain medications. The pressure grinding and clenching exert on your teeth is up to ten times greater than normal chewing, with potentially devastating impacts on your oral health.
Forcefully rubbing your upper and lower teeth throughout the night can wear them down and weaken them, potentially leading to fracture or even tooth loss. The excessive pressure can also result in ear pain, morning headaches, facial pain, sore gums, tooth sensitivity, stiffness of the shoulders and neck, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
Managing and Treating Bruxism
When you visit Dental Care of Greensboro for your routine dental exams and cleanings, we will check for tell-tale signs of bruxism. We may recommend a custom-fit mouthguard known as a night guard or nocturnal bite plate to provide cushioning and protect your teeth and jaws from damage. In severe cases with extensive tooth wear that causes sensitivity or interferes with your chewing, we may need to repair your teeth’s chewing surfaces to restore their health and prevent further deterioration.
Along with the dental approach to treating bruxism, It’s essential to determine the root cause of the problem. If your condition results from stress or anxiety, you may want to find strategies that help you relax, such as meditation. If sleep disorders, medications, or underlying medical conditions are behind your habitual teeth grinding and clenching, it’s important to address these conditions.
Protective Night Guards in Greensboro
Contact Dental Care of Greensboro to learn more about managing your bruxism for restful, refreshing sleep. Our team is proud to offer quality custom-made nightguards to safeguard your oral health and promote long-term healthy smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today!