Discussions about protecting the teeth usually center around things like brushing, flossing, and avoiding excessive amounts of sugar. Certainly, all of those habits are essential if you want to maintain a healthy smile. But you must also take measures to safeguard your teeth from the devastating consequences of bruxism. Let’s discuss what bruxism is, why it is so dangerous, and how night guards offer a simple way to prevent bruxism’s long-term complications.
The Basics of Bruxism
Bruxism is another word for habitual teeth grinding and clenching. It can happen while you are awake, or it can happen involuntarily while you are asleep. As the teeth push and move against one another, they can cause significant damage. Over the course of months or years, bruxism can lead to:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Gum recession
- Tooth loss
Bruxism also has short-term consequences. It may lead to headaches, pain in the facial muscles, neck aches, earaches, and more. If you grind your teeth at night, the noise it makes may disturb your sleeping partner.
How to Beat Bruxism
Bruxism can be caused by a number of factors, including stress and structural defects in the jaw and teeth. If stress is the culprit, upping the level of relaxation in your life may be all that is necessary to stop the problem, but that is often easier said than done. While you are working to find ways to effectively manage your stress, you should visit your dentist.
Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and determine whether the bruxism has caused any significant damage. Then, they will recommend a treatment plan. It is possible that you will need restorative care, such as crowns or a bite adjustment, to correct any problems that the bruxism has already led to. To prevent future damage from teeth grinding and clenching, your dentist may recommend that you wear a night guard.
How Night Guards Work
A night guard is one of the most common and most effective ways to put an end to nighttime bruxism. It is a custom-made oral appliance that resembles a sports mouthguard. You simply put it in your mouth at bedtime, and it will stop the teeth from contacting and damaging each other.
You may notice that it is possible to purchase over the counter night guards. However, they are neither as comfortable nor as effective as one that your dentist designs for you. Not only will your dentist determine the type of night guard that is best for you, but they will also take impressions of your teeth so a laboratory can fabricate a night guard for your unique mouth.
Bruxism is a dangerous oral health condition! If you are suffering from it, visit your dentist to learn how a night guard or another treatment may be able to save your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Adam Jones earned his dental degree from Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Since he graduated well over a decade ago, he has provided high-quality oral health services to countless patients. He and his wife, Dr. Giuliana Diaz Jones, lead the team of professionals at Premier Dental. If you are concerned about bruxism, or you have any questions about how to achieve or maintain a healthy smile, contact our office at 772-234-5353.