If you struggle with your sleep, it could be a result of a common sleep disorder related to your oral health. Two of the five most common of these conditions center around the mouth and throat, and they can really affect your ability to make it through the day. When you need to improve your sleep quality, talk to your dentist about whether your overnight teeth grinding is to blame.
With our team of oral health experts at Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, you can take positive steps in managing your chronic teeth grinding. This condition is called bruxism, and it can cause serious problems to your smile if you allow it to continue. Bruxism can shift the alignment of your teeth, leaving you with gaps and crowding, which can affect both your appearance and your smile’s function. Your common sleep disorder can also cause enamel erosion, shortening your incisors and flattening your molars. Thankfully, there is an option to relieve this activity, so ask your dentist about whether an oral appliance is right for you!
Bruxism Can Harm Your Smile, So Take Action
Many people grind their teeth throughout the day, but this common unconscious activity can become a more serious concern when it happens at night. Without the ability to control your grinding or redirect it to chewing a healthy snack, you can do damage to your smile. When this activity becomes a common occurrence, it is known as bruxism.
Bruxism can cause you to wear away the tops of your teeth, giving you a less attractive smile. When your enamel erosion becomes severe, it can also lead to the exposure of the more vulnerable tissue within a tooth. In addition to enamel erosion, bruxism can shift the alignment of your teeth, which can require orthodontic measures to correct.
Make the Effort To Control Your Teeth Grinding
When you receive a diagnosis of sleep bruxism, it is important to listen to your oral health provider about your options in treatment. One of these possibilities is a simple night guard, which prevents your teeth from touching during sleep. Wear your oral appliance overnight and protect your smile from erosion and misalignment. Preventing your jaw from moving overnight can also help to relieve tension and pain in your jaw, so ask your dentist about an oral appliance!
Learn More About Bruxism Treatment With Dental Impressions
If you are noticing that your jaw is sore when you wake up in the morning, you could be grinding your teeth in your sleep. Talk to our team to learn more about the dangers of bruxism with an appointment at our Ankeny, IA office. To learn more, give us a call at Dental Impressions of Ankeny at (515)207-6182!
