Do you ever notice that you get frequent headaches or joint pain near your jaw area? Do you notice that, over time, the edges of your teeth have become flat (instead of having the small ridges like they should)? Are your teeth or restorations fracturing? Would you like to avoid damage to the crowns, veneers, and bridges that you have invested time and money into?
Learn how to protect your cosmetic assets.
These are just a few signs that you could be suffering from a condition called bruxism (teeth grinding) while you sleep. Without seeking treatment right away, you could encounter significant dental problems, as well as concerns to your overall health.
Symptoms of Bruxism or Clenching Your Teeth
- Muscle soreness (especially jaw and facial muscles)
- Jaw joint pain
- Migraines
- Frequent headaches
- Damaged and chipped teeth
- Broken crowns
- Teeth are worn down flat
- Ringing in your ears
If you notice these symptoms, you should seek treatment. It is very common for people to grind or clench their teeth, but only 5% of people actually realize they do it!
While sleeping, you actually have no control over grinding or clenching. Unfortunately, this can cause jaw pain, muscle soreness, cracked teeth, broken crowns, and severe wear on your teeth, especially if this happens night after night.
During the day, people can also grind their teeth when under stress or while doing tasks that cause great anxiety. Take notice during the day whether or not you catch yourself clenching or grinding your teeth!
Treatment Options for Bruxism
Our dentists recommend wearing the NTI night guard while you sleep. It is a custom-fitted appliance that you wear comfortably over your teeth for protection against clenching and grinding. To create a custom-fitted night guard, impressions are taken, and then the lab creates the night guard to fit comfortably over your teeth.
The NTI mouth guard serves as a “cushion” between your teeth while you sleep. For bruxism sufferers, it is a great solution to preserve the natural teeth, as well as any dental work you have undergone.
Our dentists will evaluate your case and symptoms to see if you can benefit from the NTI night guard. We will also evaluate you for bruxism during your regular six-month checkup appointments, as well.