We have all, at one point, ground our teeth together. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, often stops before it causes any problems. However, some people do habitually grind their teeth when they sleep, and this can lead to problems.
Nocturnal bruxism can happen for a few reasons. A common instigator is stress. Missing teeth can also be a cause. At other times, it is caused by things you have little control over, such as crooked teeth or a misaligned bite.
You can ask yourself these questions to see if you possibly have nocturnal bruxism. Does your jaw feel stiff or sore, particularly when you wake up? Do your teeth feel discomfort or feel sensitive? Do your teeth look smaller or flatter than they once were?
If you notice these symptoms, and they persist for long periods, feel free to visit our dentist, Dr. Mehrdad Safavian. It is best to treat bruxism quickly, as it can lead to wearing or fracturing of your teeth. Our dentist can help you dodge that.
One treatment we suggest is a night guard. This is a mouth guard you wear at night to provide a cushion between your teeth to halt discomfort and any possible damage. If you would like, we can have a custom night guard created for you, which can better suit your teeth.
If you need some help with bruxism and want to consider a night guard, come visit our office. You can find us at Avery Dental Center in Dublin, Ohio. You can call us by dialing (614) 789-9000, and we will do all we can to make you comfortable again.