How do you keep your teeth safe at night? An oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing removes surface particles from your teeth that contribute to decay and gum disease, but what can you do if you grind your teeth while you sleep? Otherwise known as bruxism, this unhealthy habit can happen without you even knowing it. Clenching and grinding your teeth wears down on the surface enamel, increasing your risk of cavity formation, as well as bringing your teeth out of alignment. By damaging the outside structure, nightly grinding removes the protective layer that prevents bacteria from reaching the insides of your tooth. If your bite becomes misaligned, it can lead to painful symptoms within the joint of your jaw. Your bite may now apply unevenly causing additional physical wear on teeth that take a disproportionate amount of force.
At your Ankeny, IA dental practice, we can help you protect your teeth while you sleep. If you suspect you exhibit a nightly bruxism habit, waking up feeling sore muscles in your face, we can offer an oral night guard to prevent your teeth from rubbing. By preventing your teeth from touching one another, you can sleep soundly knowing they are not wearing away.
When Your Teeth Grind At Night
Detecting a bruxism habit can be tricky as it generally happens when you are unconscious. Many people only become aware once the grinding activity significantly wears away the structure of their teeth. If you notice chips or cracks appearing overnight, let your dentist know as soon as possible to help prevent additional damage. The sooner we discover the root cause of any dental damage, the sooner we can provide desirable relief. Consider asking a family member or loved one to watch over you while you sleep. Bruxism can be audible, and they can see if your jaw is pulsating as you rest. Waking up feeling tired or having soreness in your face are other common symptoms that can indicate repetitive jaw movement.
Oral Guards Protect Your Teeth
After identifying your grinding and clenching problem, we can offer a custom night guard to separate each row of your teeth. This BPA-free solution fits neatly in your mouth to provide valuable protection while you sleep. You may wake up feeling more refreshed as the guard relieves strain in your facial muscles. If you have significant cosmetic damage from your grinding habit, we can discuss solutions to repair your chips and cracks.
Speak With Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Protecting Your Teeth From Grinding At Night
If you are looking for a way to protect your teeth from grinding, we can provide an oral guard to wear while you sleep. 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.
