Have you ever woken up with a sore jaw and incredible tooth pain? You might need to ask to pay a visit to a dental clinic to know if you have bruxism. Bruxism is the scientific term for habitual or involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth (that usually occurs when you’re asleep). This condition affects around 30 to 40 million U.S. Children adults.
Most Lansdowne VA dentists recommend dental night guards to help address your concern. But before discussing what these are for, here are some essential reasons why you should resolve bruxism right away:
* It can cause increased fatigue, which will eventually take a toll on your overall health condition
* It can lead to receding gum line
* It can be a factor for tooth loss
* It can cause chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
* It can bring about migraine, as well as neck and back pain
How Dental Night Guards Help
A dental night guard is a mouthpiece you made of plastic usually placed on your upper teeth. While this item per se doesn’t prevent you from excessively grinding and clenching your teeth, it serves as a great cushion or protector for your lower teeth.
Apart from shielding your teeth, it also aids in re-establishing the natural space in your mouth. Plus, it’s a good way to give your jaw its much-needed rest while you’re in a slumber.
Wearing a dental night guard, according to Lansdowne VA dentists, does not only prevent you from getting your teeth damaged; it also assists in letting you have a good night’s sleep. With this invention, you can eventually say goodbye to bruxism, jaw aches and morning headaches.
Types of Dental Night Guards
If you’re still on the fence which type of night guard you’d choose, we’ve rounded up some info about the two most common night guards.
Custom-made night guards. These night guards are specifically made by your dentist to resolve your specific condition. These are crafted using your teeth’s mold, so you are guaranteed for their proper fit. While they are rather expensive, they usually last longer compared with other night guards.
Over-the-counter night guards. These night guards are available in majority of pharmacies. Some can be boiled to fit your teeth, while others feature a cushioning that eventually molds to the teeth every time they’re bitten. They are relatively cheaper but can wear out more quickly.
How Else Can Bruxism be Addressed
Apart from dental night guards, Lansdowne VA dentists also have these recommendations to help you address bruxism:
If your bruxism is caused by misalignment of your teeth, your dentist can advise you to try teeth straightening measures. The most common corrective measure is by getting braces.
Sometimes, habitual grinding at night can be traced from too much stress and anxiety. You can address this issue by doing some relaxation and meditation practices. Your dentist can also advise you to get professional counseling for better stress prevention.
Another option is to change your diet. Decreasing or avoiding the intake of stimulants like caffeine can also contribute to the reduction of your teeth grinding.
Our Lansdowne VA dentists at Riverside Dental provide total dental care. From preventive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, to sleep apnea treatment, we got you covered.