Is Teeth Grinding Affecting Your Quality of Sleep?

Do you find that you are constantly waking up with a headache or feeling exhausted? You may be grinding your teeth at night without even realizing it. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can have a serious impact on your quality of sleep. In this blog post, we will discuss the effects of teeth grinding and how we can help you at Stonebrook Family Dental get better sleep. 

What is Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding is a condition where you clench your teeth together during the night. This can happen when you are stressed, anxious, or even during deep sleep. The condition can cause a lot of wear and tear on your teeth, as well as jaw pain and headaches. Over time, it can even lead to tooth loss.

Symptoms

Mayo Clinic lists signs and symptoms of bruxism may include:

• Teeth grinding or clenching, which may be loud enough to wake up your sleep partner
• Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose
• Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth
• Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
• Tired or tight jaw muscles, or a locked jaw that won’t open or close completely
• Jaw, neck or face pain or soreness
• Pain that feels like an earache, though it’s actually not a problem with your ear
• Dull headache starting in the temples
• Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek
• Sleep disruption

The Effects of Teeth Grinding on Your Dental Health

Teeth grinding can cause a lot of damage to your teeth. The condition can wear down your tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer that protects your teeth. It can also cause your teeth to crack or chip. In extreme cases, it can even lead to tooth loss.

The effects of teeth grinding are not just limited to your teeth. The condition can also cause jaw pain, headaches, and even earache. If you grind your teeth long enough, it can even change the shape of your face.

Can You Stop Teeth Grinding On Your Own?

There are a few things that you can do to try and stop teeth grinding. You can avoid eating hard foods, chewing gum, and ice. You can also try to reduce stress in your life. If you think that stress is the cause of your teeth grinding, you can try relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.

If these methods do not work, you should see a dentist. They can help you find the underlying cause of your bruxism and offer treatment options.

Treatment Options for Teeth Grinding

If you are unable to stop teeth grinding on your own, there are a few treatment options available. The most common treatment is a night guard.

A night guard is a custom-made mouthguard that you wear at night. It protects your teeth from grinding against each other. Night guards are usually made of soft materials such as silicone or acrylic. They work by putting a barrier between your teeth. When you clench your jaw, the night guard for teeth helps to lighten the tension and give cushion to the muscles in the jaw. This cushioning not only helps to prevent face and jaw pain, but also protects the enamel of your teeth. 

Over the Counter Mouthguards vs. Custom Made Mouthguards

You may be able to find over the counter mouthguards at your local pharmacy. However, these mouthguards are not as effective as custom made ones. Over the counter mouthguards are not made to fit your teeth specifically. This means that they can be loose and uncomfortable. They can also make it difficult to breathe and talk. Custom made night guards are made to fit your teeth exactly. This makes them more comfortable and effective.

If you think that you may need a night guard, the first step is to schedule an appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental. Dr. Kevin Varley and our team will be able to diagnose bruxism and recommend the best treatment option for you. We will take impressions of your teeth and create a custom night guard that is comfortable and effective.

Protect Your Smile with Stonebrook Family Dental

Don’t let teeth grinding damage your smile. Schedule an appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental today. We will help you find the underlying cause of your bruxism and offer treatment options. We will also fit you with a custom night guard that is comfortable and effective. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.