Frequent headaches, worn teeth, or broken teeth can be caused by several factors, but one of the most common culprits is teeth grinding, clinically called “bruxism.” Many people don’t realize they grind their teeth as it often happens while they are sleeping, but it can also happen throughout the day. If you frequently wake up with a sore jaw or teeth, you may want to visit Dr. Jacob McLauchlin at MAC Dental in Nixa, MO for a night guard to stop your teeth grinding.
Why is Teeth Grinding Bad For Teeth?
Tooth grinding and jaw clenching often indicate an issue with the bite. The “bite” refers to the alignment of your teeth. People who grind or clench their teeth often have uneven bites, such as an underbite or overbite.
Teeth grinding is commonly associated with stress, whether from your own personal environmental factors or stress inside the mouth and jaw from a dental problem. When teeth, jaw, and intricate system of muscles in the mouth and neck aren’t working properly, it creates tension. This tension can lead to headaches, facial pain, and teeth grinding.
Tooth grinding can lead to a host of oral health problems, such as:
- TMJ disorders, which may become difficult to treat
- Cuts or sores on the inside of the cheeks
- Worn or dull teeth
- Cracked teeth, which may lead to infection and cavities
Night Guard to Stop Teeth Grinding
Dr. McLauchlin provides thorough and comprehensive dental care for patients who suffer with complex dental problems, including teeth grinding. It’s important to protect the teeth from damage with the use of a custom mouth guard or night guard. This custom oral appliance is worn to reduce the stress placed on teeth from teeth clenching which can occur during sleep.
Your night guard is designed to position the jaw so the teeth cannot come into contact with each other while you sleep. Some patients also find that night guards help them stop snoring because of the gentle realignment of the jaw during sleep. A custom-fitted mouth guard and night guard is a better option as it is designed to fit comfortably according to your mouth shape and size to reduce discomfort and improve treatment outcomes.
Nixa, MO Family Dentist
If you’ve been dealing with teeth grinding, you can visit our Nixa, MO dentist office for a night guard to stop your teeth grinding for good. Schedule an appointment online or call our office at 417-725-3200 today.