Bruxism– or teeth clenching and grinding– is an extremely common dental concern in both children and adults. Often, bruxism occurs at night, when the sufferer is asleep and unaware that he or she is grinding. The following symptoms indicate you might be be suffering:
- Chronic headaches or earaches
- Popping or clicking of the jaw
- Facial pain
- Damaged teeth or damaged dental work.
While everyone grinds or clenches their teeth occasionally, chronic bruxism can be devastating to your oral health. In fact, habitual grinders are more likely to suffer from fractured or worn down teeth, sometimes even resulting in tooth loss. So, how can you protect yourself from the damaging effects of bruxism, particularly if you’re a nighttime grinder?
Fortunately, sleeping mouth guards are available to help safeguard your teeth while you’re in dreamland. There are over-the-counter mouth guards which are available at your local chemist. While these mouth guards are inexpensive, they are not custom fitted to your mouth’s unique shape, which means that they might not provide you with the highest level of comfort.
Another alternative for a sleeping mouth guard is to have your dentist create a custom guard for you. These personalised mouthguards are based on a detailed impression taken of your mouth and teeth. While custom mouth guards are more expensive than their chemist counterparts, they provide a higher level of comfort and protection due to their secure fit.
If you are suffering from chronic bruxism, it’s time to take action to protect your oral health. Contact us today to learn more.