Bruxism or teeth grinding is a common condition that doesn’t discriminate against sex, age, or race and often lowers the quality of life among its sufferers. Customized night guards are an excellent option for protecting teeth against bruxism-induced pressure. While mouthguards are common for athletes, uses night guards to protect your teeth and jaw from the forces exerted as you grind and clench your teeth.
Symptoms of bruxism
Teeth grinding and clenching happen at night, although some patients experience the condition during the day (daytime bruxism). This behavior is often undiagnosed or difficult to change because the sufferers grind their teeth unconsciously.
While diagnosing bruxism is challenging, certain symptoms can tell something is off. These include:
- Constant headaches and migraines
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Facial pain
- Earaches
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Eroded, flattened, or worn-down enamel
- Broken or cracked teeth
- Gum recession
Researchers and dentists haven’t yet figured out the exact cause of teeth grinding. However, stress has heavily been linked to this condition. Other risk factors for teeth grinding include misaligned teeth, genetic predispositions, certain medications, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Whatever the cause, seek immediate treatment when you notice signs of teeth grinding. Untreated bruxism diminishes your quality of life and often requires costly and extensive restorative treatments.
How a mouthguard protects your smile from bruxism?
A night guard is a retainer-like oral device that sits snugly over your teeth to cushion them from damage. Although you can opt for off-the-shelf mouthguards, expert dentist recommends custom fit nightguards fabricated precisely for your smile.
If you want to learn more about bruxism treatment, visit our Dental Exams in Encinitas page or schedule a consultation.
