Do you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep? This is a common dental habit, but one that can cause significant discomfort and disruption if not addressed. Many patients aren’t aware of their nightly teeth grinding habit until they are told by their bed partner or they begin to experience the daytime consequences, which may include morning headaches, worn down teeth, jaw pain or other TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues. At Riverwood Dental, we offer general dentistry treatments for teeth grinding, or bruxism, using top quality nightguards that are custom-fit for each patient.
Teeth grinding puts excessive strain and pressure on your teeth and jaw muscles. When this occurs throughout the night, it can pose a major threat to your dental comfort, as well as your quality of life. Nighttime bruxism is a leading cause of TMJ disorder, which can be the culprit of a wide range of disruptive symptoms. If you grind your teeth at night, you may experience jaw pain, jaw stiffness, clicking/popping of the jaw, headaches or facial pain. The health and strength of your smile can also suffer from the repeated grinding and pressure, as your teeth may wear down and weaken over time.
A Customized and Comfortable Solution
Using a custom nightguard, we can help protect your teeth from premature wear and prevent your jaw muscles from overstraining while you sleep. We offer the latest and most preferred mouthguard models available, so that you can achieve optimal comfort during the night while getting the protection your smile desperately needs. Your nightguard will be custom fabricated for your unique bite. It will fit snugly over your teeth so that it doesn’t shift around during sleep.
Key Benefits of Custom Nightguards
- Prevent Premature Wear Nightguards act as a protective barrier, preventing your teeth from grinding against each other and minimizing the risk of premature wear.
- Muscle Strain Relief By providing a cushioning effect, nightguards help prevent overstraining of jaw muscles, reducing discomfort associated with teeth grinding.
- Custom Fabrication Each nightguard is custom-fabricated to fit your unique bite. This ensures a snug fit over your teeth, preventing any shifting during sleep.
It is important to know that teeth grinding is commonly associated with stress. While nighttime bruxism is a subconscious habit, it can be more prevalent during times of high stress. Therefore, in addition to providing nightguard treatment, we also encourage patients to find ways to manage their stress with healthy lifestyle choices.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common signs include waking up with jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity. A dental examination can confirm teeth grinding.
Are over-the-counter nightguards effective?
Custom nightguards are preferred as they offer a precise fit, ensuring maximum protection and comfort during sleep.
Can stress management reduce teeth grinding?
Yes, adopting stress-management techniques, such as exercise, meditation, or counseling, can complement nightguard therapy in addressing bruxism.
Investing in a custom nightguard at Riverwood Dental is a proactive step toward preventing the negative effects of teeth grinding on your oral health. To determine if a custom dental nightguard is the right solution for you, contact Riverwood Dental today. We are committed to promoting a healthy mouth at all hours of the day and night, ensuring your smile remains protected and radiant.