Do you have problems with grinding your teeth while you sleep? If you wake up with a stiff jaw, headache or premature wear and tear on your tooth enamel, you might be dealing with a common dental condition called bruxism. Bruxism is the act of clenching and grinding your teeth often done unconsciously in your sleep. Left untreated, bruxism can wreak havoc on an otherwise healthy smile.
To preserve your teeth against this abnormal grinding, wearing a protective night guard (a mouth guard which is worn during sleep) can save your teeth from the harsh effects of bruxism. This nocturnal habit often goes unnoticed, which means you might not be aware of why a stiff jaw or headache is always arising. It’s often loud enough to wake up your significant other though and that’s often one way people become aware of it.
Signs You Might Be Bruxing in Your Sleep
- Waking with chronic jaw pain, facial pain or ear pain
- Waking up exhausted
- Getting chronic tension headaches or migraines
- Heightened tooth sensitivity
- Premature wear on your teeth, causing chips, cracked or flat teeth
- Damaged tooth enamel revealing the inner areas of a tooth
- Tongue indentations
Wearing a Night Guard
Our custom night guards are created to effectively help those suffering from nighttime bruxism. Once you have been assessed and a diagnosis of bruxism has been made, we can custom craft a protective mouth guard to fit over your teeth while you sleep to prevent further damage from bruxism. It’s important to address bruxism as early as possible because eventually, you can find yourself with loose teeth and tooth loss!
If you are showing signs of bruxism, we encourage you to call and schedule a consultation with Dr. Paresh B. Patel and our team to evaluate your oral health with a simple exam. We can create a custom night guard in Frisco, Texas, just for your needs. The relief and a good night’s sleep will make all the difference for your oral and overall health. Please call Family Dentistry of Frisco at (469) 362-3150 to schedule a visit! Your smile deserves the best care possible.