Stop tooth damage from bruxism with dental nightguards
If you wake up with a sore jaw and headache or have noticed that your teeth have begun to wear down, you may have a habit of grinding your teeth while you sleep. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is the unconscious clenching and grinding of teeth while you sleep. Bruxism can cause damage to your teeth and painful issues with your jaw, so it’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible. At Dr. Bostani’s Advanced Dental in Burbank, California, we use dental nightguards as an effective treatment option for teeth grinding.
What is Bruxism?
Whether you are aware of it or not, bruxism is a serious condition that negatively impacts your oral health. In addition to tooth damage such as cracked, chipped, or fractured teeth, it can also cause other symptoms such as:
- Jaw Pain
- TMJ Disorder
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Earaches
The force used to clench and grind leaves your jaw muscles feeling sore and tender, leading to these painful symptoms. Severe cases of bruxism can damage teeth to the point where you may need restorations such as crowns or veneers.
How nightguards protect teeth
Nightguards worn while sleeping are one of the easiest and most effective ways to stop bruxism. These custom-fabricated guards are created from impressions of your teeth, so they fit snugly and securely.
The nightguards work by providing a barrier of protection between the upper and lower arches of teeth. This protection prevents the grinding and clenching during sleep and ultimately alleviates the painful symptoms.
It’s important to note that a custom-fit nightguard from your dentist is not the same as purchasing a sports mouthguard. These guards are often designed to protect teeth during physical activity. When worn at night, generic guards can trap bacteria and prevent the saliva from neutralizing acids and washing away food particles, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay.
It’s also a good idea to stay away from one-size-fits-all nightguards that are available from the drug store. These appliances are not made for a secure fit and can lead to issues with your bite.
Call us today to learn more about nightguards
At Dr. Bostani’s Advanced Dental, we want our patients to maintain happy, healthy smiles, which is why we offer services like nightguard treatment. If you are in the Burbank, CA area and are concerned about teeth grinding, give us a call at (818) 918-5533.
