How do you safeguard your smile from common forms of harm? By brushing and flossing your teeth each day, you remove plaque deposits that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. You can also receive regular cleanings to remove residues that you cannot handle on your own at home. But what can you do for threats that occur while you are asleep? If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you may be wearing away their protective enamel surface layer. Because this condition happens while you are unconscious, you may not become aware of the habit until it has already caused significant damage. As your teeth wear down, your bite can come out of alignment, leading to other oral health problems. Your risks for decay and disease go up, and you risk cracking and breaking your teeth. Fortunately, with the help of your dentist, you can obtain a solution to protect your bite when you go to bed.
At your Ankeny, IA, dental practice, we can help you put an end to damage caused by bruxism. When your teeth gnash together, the constant pressure quickly wears them down, but by designing a custom oral guard, you can separate your bite while you sleep. Because this solution fits perfectly to your unique bite, you can sleep comfortably, knowing you are not damaging your smile. If you like, we can also discuss reparative treatments to restore your smile’s beauty afterward.
Detecting Your Bruxism
If you suspect you are damaging your teeth while you sleep, ask a family member to observe you at night. If they see you moving your mouth or hear the sounds of biting, let us know right away. At your next dental appointment, we can inspect your teeth for signs of wear and let you know if you require treatment.
The Value Of A Custom Oral Guard
We can measure your smile to design an oral guard that fits your specific bite. This appliance separates each row of teeth while you sleep to prevent the force of your bite from wearing down your enamel. By putting an end to your gnashing, you will relieve pressure through your jaw as well. This can help with facial soreness and allow you to wake up each morning feeling far more refreshed.
Speak With Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Protecting Your Teeth From Nightly Grinding
When we see signs of bruxism in your smile, we can design a custom oral guard to protect your bite. By protecting your teeth, you maintain your smile’s beauty and can enjoy a more peaceful sleep. To learn more about bruxism or to schedule a visit, please call your Ankeny, IA, dentist’s office at (515) 207-6182. We also serve patients from Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and other nearby communities.
