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Clenching and grinding your teeth while you sleep – called bruxism – is an incredibly common condition that affects millions of Americans at any given time. But even though it is common, it does not mean that it should be ignored. Left untreated, it can lead to extensive damage to your teeth, as well as other unpleasant symptoms that affect your quality of life. At Volterra Dental in Los Alamitos, CA, Dr. Richard Blackburn can evaluate your symptoms, teeth, and gums to determine whether you suffer from bruxism, and provide professional-grade dental night guards to help provide relief and protection.
Signs you clench and grind your teeth
While your teeth and jaw are designed to withstand powerful forces when you are chewing your food, clenching and grinding places a large amount of pressure in unnatural directions on your teeth, which can result in several long-term consequences for both your teeth and your overall health and wellbeing. Common signs and symptoms of bruxism include:
- Headaches
- Jaw, neck, or ear pain
- TMJ disorder
- Frequent waking at night
- Uneven wear on your teeth, such as flattened or sharpened areas or chips or breaks
- Cheek damage from biting down on your cheek tissues
- Sensitive teeth
Benefits of a teeth grinding night guard
Some people only experience acute bouts of clenching and grinding, such as during periods of extreme stress. However, other people chronically clench and grind their teeth, which can lead to the need for costly treatments to repair damage. One of the easiest and most effective ways of treating bruxism is to use a night guard while you sleep. A custom-made night guard from Volterra Dental is designed to fit snugly over your teeth without being too bulky, so you can sleep comfortably. It protects your teeth from the friction caused by grinding back and forth and reduces the pressure placed on your sensitive joints and jaw muscles. Many patients who suffer from TMJ disorder, chronic jaw or neck pain, and other unpleasant side effects of grinding can find relief from their symptoms by using a well-fitted night guard.
To schedule your evaluation with Dr. Blackburn, call Volterra Dental today at (562) 501-3188. Our office is conveniently located in Los Alamitos, CA.