Your mornings can become difficult to enjoy when you grind your teeth at night. Upon waking, you can feel the effects of this issue, known as bruxism – your teeth can be sore and sensitive, and you can have pain in your face and jaw. While this discomfort is certainly nothing to ignore, it is not the only problem with bruxism. In time, the friction from grinding or clenching your jaw while you sleep can wear down your enamel. This can lead to undesired changes in the shape of your teeth that hurt your smile, and it can even lead to chips and cracks forming in your enamel! Our Seattle, WA dentist’s office is prepared to help if you think you suffer from nightly teeth grinding. A custom oral appliance can keep your teeth safe while you sleep. If you have already experienced problems with your enamel, we can evaluate your smile and see if you may benefit from cosmetic dental work or restorative dental work.
Are You Experiencing Symptoms Of Nightly Teeth Grinding?
How can you be sure that you grind your teeth at night when the problem only occurs as you are asleep? The symptoms of bruxism can be ready to greet you in the morning. When you wake, you can have problems with tooth pain and sensitivity that are difficult to ignore. You may also find that your jaw feels stiff or sore, and that moving it is awkward or difficult. Teeth grinding can actually produce problems with your joint alignment, and that can lead to difficulties with daily pain, including headaches. If the problem has gone on for a longer period of time, you might observe changes in the shape or overall appearance of your teeth.
Protecting Your Teeth With A Custom Oral Appliance
Your dentist can provide you with a custom oral appliance that you keep in place during the night. Because this guard is made specifically for you, it can be easy to keep in place throughout the evening. Its presence separates your upper and lower teeth so that they no longer meet. The appliance can also help you stop unconsciously grinding or clenching in ways that put stress on your jaw.
Addressing Enamel Damage That Has Occurred Over Time
At your appointment to discuss bruxism, your dentist can check your teeth to see if enamel wear and tear has become a point of concern. If the damage is serious, we may need to cap teeth with custom dental crowns. For more superficial problems, we can instead recommend cosmetic services, like the placement of porcelain veneers, to improve the way you look.
Talk To Your Seattle, WA Dentist If You Grind Your Teeth
If you struggle with a persistent teeth grinding problem, reach out to Ballard Neighborhood Dentist to learn how we can help you. To find out more, call our Seattle, WA dentist’s office at 206-789-2555.
