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Human jaws are surprisingly strong and exert a significant amount of force. Clenching or grinding can cause serious damage to your teeth, especially if you are unaware of it while you sleep. Grinding your teeth at night can cause all kinds of problems when left untreated, but Dr. H.K. Virdee can offer a solution to reduce the damage and symptoms caused from grinding.
We don’t always know the cause of bruxism, but some related factors could include your teeth not coming together correctly, stress, and other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Certain lifestyle factors such as tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, and some medications can increase the likelihood and intensity of bruxism.
Teeth grinding is common among men, women, and adolescents.
If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, earaches, sensitivity, or sore teeth, chances are that you are grinding while you sleep. In fact, intense teeth grinding can cause neck and shoulder pain as well as aggravate conditions such as tinnitus and migraines.
Teeth grinding can cause damage to your teeth, as well. Excessive grinding can wear down the surfaces of your teeth, cause cracks in your teeth, and create abfractions. Abfractions are notches in your teeth, often near your gum line, that occur from applying force on your teeth over time. Abfractions compromise the integrity of your teeth by breaking off protective enamel and opening the door for decay.
Gum recession is another condition sometimes caused because of prolonged teeth grinding. Gum recession means that your gums pull away from your teeth, exposing more of the root. This can create severe sensitivity and expose your roots to potential decay and infection.
One of the most common and effective treatments for bruxism is a custom nightguard. Since you are unaware of grinding while you sleep, it is difficult to stop teeth grinding. At Monroe Dental Arts, we can make a protective barrier to help prevent your teeth from breaking and cracking.
Dr. H.K. Virdee can make a custom nightguard, designed to fit your teeth comfortably and snugly, that provides a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Nightguards are easy to get used to wearing and can offer relief from many of the symptoms associated with bruxism.
Compared to repairing broken teeth, the cost of your nightguard is very affordable and is a good investment against future problems. In fact, most nightguards can last for years when you care for them properly and keep them out of reach of the family dog. Dogs love to find and destroy their human’s nightguard, so keep it in a safe place.
Do you suspect you grind your teeth while you sleep? Call our Monroe Township dental office to schedule an exam with Dr. Virdee. She can look at your teeth, let you know if you have the signs of bruxism, and provide solutions to protect your smile.