What steps do you take to protect your oral health while you sleep? Your before-bed hygiene routine helps you fight cavities and gum disease by removing plaque formations that form on their surface. But what can you do to protect against unconscious grinding and clenching of your teeth at night? Also known as bruxism, this habit endangers your oral health by wearing away at the enamel of your teeth and damaging their structure. As your enamel erodes, you risk forming cavities as oral bacteria have easier access to the insides of your tooth. The physical alteration of your teeth can cause your bite to misalign which leads to even further problems. When teeth are uneven, certain teeth take more force from your bite during the day and can cause even more wear beyond the bruxism habit itself.
Your Ankeny, IA dentist understands the frustration of waking up after a night of clenching and grinding. In fact, sore muscles in your face are a common sign of bruxism. When you come to our office for treatment, we can provide an oral guard that offers effective protection from this habit. Enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep when you know your teeth are safe.
Identifying The Signs Of Bruxism
How do you detect a habit that only happens when you are asleep? By the time you notice the wear and tear on the surface of your teeth, you have experienced significant damage. Chips and cracks in the enamel should be reported to your dentist right away. You can also ask a family member to observe you overnight while you sleep. They should be able to see movement in your jaw and possibly hear the sounds of teeth grinding against one another. Let your dentist know if you experience soreness in your face or jaw caused by repetitive movement. Treatment can help more serious problems with your jaw from potentially developing.
Wearing Your Oral Guard
When we determine you experience a bruxism habit, we will issue a custom-fit night guard to protect your teeth. Made from BPA-free material, your appliance separates your teeth to keep them safe while you sleep. We can then follow up by discussing treatments to repair any existing damage from the habit. Porcelain veneers can cover chipped teeth as well as return height when they are worn down.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Wearing An Oral Guard To Protect Your Teeth From Bruxism
When you wear an oral guard at night, you prevent your teeth from causing further damage from a grinding and clenching habit. We can offer tasteful cosmetic procedures to repair your damage and restore a beautiful smile. For more information on this condition or to schedule a visit, please contact your Ankeny, IA, dentist’s office at 515-207-6182. We proudly serve patients from Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and other surrounding communities.
