Wish you could stop teeth grinding (also called bruxism)? You’re not alone. When people are stressed, they tend to grind or clench their teeth while they sleep. Fortunately, your dentist can create a custom night guard to prevent .
Otherwise, the pressure exerted on your teeth every night could be enough to wear and crack the enamel. Our dentist wants to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible while protecting your teeth. Continue reading to learn how a teeth grinding guard can help prevent bruxism symptoms.
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
Teeth Grinding Symptoms
A night guard is an oral appliance you wear while you sleep to stop teeth grinding. Many of our patients are unaware they’re grinding or clenching teeth at night until the sound wakes up their partner. Your dentist may also diagnose you with bruxism if they notice worn tooth enamel at your next appointment and you complain of jaw pain.
Teeth grinding symptoms include:
- Waking up with jaw pain
- Worn tooth enamel
- Fractured teeth
- Sleepiness during the day
Bruxism Treatment
Dr. Helmus can create a custom night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep. A night guard works by forming a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth. That way, when you bite or clench down during sleep, your teeth will meet the protective material.
It’ll take two appointments for us to create your teeth grinding guard. During your first visit with us, we’ll need to take impressions of your teeth to send to the lab. The lab will then use these impressions to create your night mouth guard.
When you return for your second appointment a few weeks later, your night guard will be ready. Dr. Helmus will have you wear the night guard to make sure the fit is comfortable. If necessary, he’ll make slight adjustments to the fit so you can sleep soundly with your new .
Jaw Pain Relief
If you’re waking up in pain, you’re not getting the deep quality sleep you need to stay energized and focused during the day. Fortunately, our dentist will be able to create a custom night guard to protect your smile while you sleep.
A dental night guard is a removable oral appliance that forms a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. While a sports mouth guard is worn while playing contact sports, a night guard is worn while you sleep. A dental night guard will help get rid of the headaches you’ve had upon waking as well as any jaw pain. Many of our patients appreciate being able to get a good night’s sleep without waking up groggy and in pain.
Avoid Restorative Dentistry
If you have bruxism, we highly recommend you get a night guard as soon as possible. Not only does a teeth grinding guard protect your oral health, but it prevents you from needing extensive dental work.
The forces exerted on your teeth from bruxism are strong enough to wear away enamel, as well as crack or loosen teeth. A mouth guard for teeth grinding will protect your smile so you won’t need restorative dentistry.
Dr. Helmus DDS can create a teeth grinding guard to help protect your smile while you sleep. To request an appointment with our Wyoming dentist, call River Ridge Dentistry at (616) 538-7320.