Albertville, AL
Bruxism, the clinical term for grinding or clenching your teeth, is a behavior that’s been estimated to affect 10% of American adults and 15% of children. Why are these figures estimated? Because many people with bruxism go undiagnosed, in large part because this habit is most common when you are asleep. The effects of bruxism can include a misaligned bite, jaw problems and excessive strain on your teeth, possibly wearing them down to the nubs. If you’re grinding your teeth, Wall Street Dentistry can prescribe you a customized mouth guard to wear when you sleep. This oral appliance protects your teeth from the damage of bruxism, but it’s just one of the reasons that a mouth guard can be beneficial. We explore this topic in greater detail, today on the blog.
How does a mouth guard work?
Each mouth guard that we offer to our patients in Albertville is custom-made from high-quality materials. That means it’s superior to any store-bought mouthpiece or night guard that you might find. Stock mouth guards also tend to be less comfortable and could cause difficulty breathing, which is the last thing you want when you’re trying to get to sleep or stay asleep. Instead, the team at Wall Street Dentistry fabricates our mouth guards from specific impressions of your teeth and mouth. That means you know your mouth guard will make a snug, comfortable and effective fit.
4 Benefits to using a night guard
- Protect your teeth: Bruxism places significant excessive force on your teeth from the frequent grinding. This can chip, break and wear down teeth. There have been cases where severe untreated bruxism has worn down an individual’s teeth to the nubs. Bruxism also can damage existing dental restorations and deteriorate your enamel, the protective outer layer of your tooth structure, making your teeth more susceptible to both decay and injury. By using a mouth guard, you shield your teeth from the effects of bruxism, which also saves you the time and money that would be invested to repair the damage.
- Lowers your risk of temporomandibular joint disorder: Also known as TMJ disorder, this ailment develops when the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull, develops some type of dysfunction. Someone with TMJ disorder often experiences problems with the alignment of their bite and jaws. They often suffer pain, which may be severe and debilitating. Using a mouth guard provides protection from TMJ disorder caused by bruxism and the possible consequences of that disorder.
- Experience fewer headaches: One of the common complaints with bruxism patients is that they have frequent headaches, especially the first thing in the morning. These headaches form because of the tension created on the jaws, ears and head from the grinding and clenching of your teeth. Using a mouth guard at night not only protects your teeth against damage but it also reduces the pressure on your jaws to alleviate these headaches.
- Better sleep quality: Bruxism can aggravate the muscles around your jaws, which can be uncomfortable when you sleep and can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Using a mouth guard gives those muscles a needed chance to relax, meaning you experience his discomfort and should get more rest.
Mouth guards for bruxism in Albertville, Guntersville and Boaz in Alabama
If you’re grinding your teeth, then you can find relief by receiving a mouth guard from Drs. Jonathan Renfroe and Josh Conley. Don’t keep living with bruxism and the negative effects on your oral health. The team at Wall Street Dentistry can help. Make your appointment today by calling (256) 878-0525 or contacting us online.
