Night Guards for Nighttime Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treatment
If you are a Bradenton resident, you are fortunate to have a Night Guard expert in your community. Dr. Monika Aneja in Bradenton evaluates all of her Mint Dental patients for signs of bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding) so she can help them protect their teeth from excessive wear and maintain comfortable TMD function. An affordable custom-fitted night guard that allows the lower jaw to slide without impacting teeth and relaxes jaw muscles benefits a great many individuals.
Perhaps your sleeping partner has mentioned that you grind your teeth while you sleep. Maybe you’re struggling with sensitivity on your molars, or sore jaws in the morning when you wake. Or you might be one of many people who are surprised to learn that their teeth show signs of wear and crazing (spider web-like surface cracks). Most people who grind and clench their teeth while sleeping are not aware of their condition. We call the condition “bruxism.” This destructive habit can cause significant oral health problems and painful symptoms.
Tooth enamel is extremely durable, but constant pressure will take a toll. Oftentimes, bruxism originates from malocclusion or TMJ disorder. Malocclusion is misalignment of the teeth, in which upper and lower teeth don’t fit together in a way that allows the jaws to relax. TMJ disorder is misalignment of the jaw joints, in which jaw muscles are overworked during the day. Then, while sleeping, the TMJ sufferer’s jaw muscles twitch and tighten, causing teeth to gnash together. If you suspect bruxism or have been told by a dentist that you’re probably a bruxer, nightly use of a simple oral mouth guard will protect your teeth from further damage.
Note: Many bruxers grind their teeth and clench their jaw muscles during the day, especially when they are experiencing stress. Note that Dr. Aneja can improve your occlusion to relax jaw muscles during the day and treat painful headaches, jaw tension, and other symptoms of TMD. Bite splint therapy, orthodontics, and occlusal equilibration may greatly improve your quality of life. An occlusal equilibration consists of modifying the shape of the tops of your teeth and dental restorations to remove tooth-on-tooth interferences and balance your bite. More information about you and “your bite” is on this website.