While there are conscious steps to take for patients who clench or grind their teeth while awake, those who grind their teeth while asleep may not even be aware that they are doing it. There are several things that can let patients or their dentist know that bruxism is a problem.
In many cases, a patient's dentist will notice extreme wear on the teeth in a case of bruxism. To prevent further damage and preserve the teeth, the dentist may recommend a custom mouth guard.
Having a headache when waking up is a common sign of bruxism. The prolonged tension resulting from grinding the teeth at night often result in painful headaches.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) often becomes tender to the touch in patients who grind their teeth at night. In some cases, joint pain will be so severe that the patient has trouble open and closing the mouth normally. Bruxism is not the only cause of TMJ pain, but it is a common one.
Many patients may not think that bruxism is particularly dangerous. However, according to Dentistry Today, bruxism often reaches a force of up to 500 pounds per square inch (psi). This force is many times the force of normal chewing — even biting down on dense, crunchy foods like carrots exerts a force less than 30 psi.
This repeated force can cause damage to the teeth. In some cases, patients with bruxism end up causing severe damage to tooth enamel. Since enamel is the protective layer, patients with bruxism may eventually experience increased sensitivity and even cavities.
Mouth guards provide a layer between the jaws that protects the surfaces of the teeth from further damage. They may not completely stop bruxism, but they do protect the patient's teeth from continually being worn down. Guards designed for night use are custom-fitted by a dentist based on an impression of the patient's teeth. They are usually comfortable and low-profile, and they do not interfere with breathing. Most patients become accustomed to sleeping in mouth guards fairly quickly.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Mouth Guards in Dallas, TX.
For patients who grind their teeth at night or suspect they do, a good first step to dealing with the problem is simply talking to a dentist. The dentist can examine teeth for signs of bruxism. If mouth guards are needed, a custom-fitted option keeps the patient comfortable and reduces the often-painful side effects of teeth grinding.
Request an appointment or call Lalangas Family Dentistry at 972-534-6008 for an appointment in our Dallas office.
For many professional and amateur athletes, mouth guards are essential for protection and safety. Even children and teenagers may require this type of protective equipment in a variety of sports settings. While many universal-fit options are available and easy to access, most dental professionals recommend ordering a custom-fit model from the patient's dental care office.…
Individuals who struggle with symptoms of sleep apnea may not realize the help their dentist can provide by assessing or treating this sleep disorder. Dentists will often ask patients about their sleep habits to assess the possibility of an individual dealing with apnea, though there are other oral health signs that could lead to a…
If you’re considering tooth restoration for your lost teeth, then you might have thought about dental implants like All-on-4®. The thing with implants, though, is that to get them done for more than a few teeth, such as with patients who have lost all their teeth, means making a considerable investment in time and money.…
Having trouble sleeping? Your dentist may be able to help.
Like traditional titanium post implants, the four-implant system are designed to be permanent.
Whether you need a crown or a veneer depends on a variety of factors, including…
Implants are a permanent way to restore smiles and replace teeth.
Dental fillings can improve your smile's appearance.
Keep reading to learn more about why you might need an extraction.
