Have you been experiencing jaw pain and tension headaches? Are your teeth getting more sensitive? Or, maybe you’re waking up tired, even after a full night’s sleep? Then, you might be suffering from unintentional teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.
At Lakewood Dental Group, our dentists in Dallas, TX, Dr. Shaun Sigurdson and Dr. Mihir Patel, help patients get relief from bruxism with custom night guards. These personalized oral appliances protect the teeth from undue pressure and damage, which leads to better oral health.
Why do I grind my teeth?
It’s not uncommon for patients to clench or grind their teeth while they are sleeping. While the exact cause of bruxism is not known, there are several factors that are linked to unconscious teeth grinding, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Sleep disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea
- Certain medications, such as antidepressants
- Recreational substances, like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol
Research indicates that bruxism can place a whopping 250 pounds of pressure on the teeth and jaw. This amount of pressure can have disastrous effects on patients’ teeth, jaws, and overall health. So, regardless of the cause, patients should address bruxism as soon as possible.
How can I stop grinding my teeth while I sleep?
For some patients, stress management and a healthier lifestyle are enough to correct bruxism. For others, they need a protective dental appliance–like a night guard–to protect their teeth while they sleep.
What is a night guard?
Night guards sit on the top teeth and act as a soft barrier between the teeth, effectively protecting the teeth from chips, fractures, cracks, and worn enamel. Dr. Sigurdson and Dr. Patel craft these custom-made oral appliances from high-quality materials using state-of-the-art technology.
Why should I get a professional night guard instead of a store-bought one?
Store-bought night guards are not nearly as comfortable or customizable as professional night guards. Usually, store-bought night guards follow a “boil and bite” protocol, but this process leaves much to be desired. Typically, patients complain that store-bought night guards are too bulky, cause mouth irritation, and make it more difficult to sleep.
Professional night guards, however, use precision imaging technology to create lightweight and smooth trays that fit patients’ teeth perfectly. The thinner material and perfect fit give patients the impression that they aren’t wearing an oral appliance at all, which helps them get a better night’s sleep.
What are the benefits of wearing a night guard for bruxism?
There many benefits of wearing a personalized night guard while sleeping, including:
- Protect teeth from damage: A night guard separates the teeth with a thin layer of soft plastic. This prevents damage to teeth, enamel, and dental restorations.
- Reduce headaches and jaw pain: Night guards absorb much of the pressure that bruxism places on the teeth and jaw. As a result, patients will notice a vast improvement in chronic headaches and jaw pain caused by teeth grinding.
- Prevent snoring: Bruxism can lead to obstructive sleep apnea. A clenched jaw constricts the airway, which leads to snoring. Night guards prevent snoring by keeping the airway free and open.
- Get better sleep: Patients can finally experience better, more restful sleep with professional night guards.
Ask Us If Night Guards Are Right For You
If you’re ready to talk to an experienced Lakewood dentist about bruxism, then schedule an appointment at Lakewood Dental group today. Dr. Sigurdson and Dr. Patel can help you protect your teeth from damage and get a better night’s sleep with custom-made night guards.
New and existing patients can conveniently schedule an appointment online, or they may call our dental office in Dallas at (214) 827-1885.
