Managing A Teeth Grinding Habit

Problems with nighttime teeth grinding can follow you into the daytime. Waking up after a night of grinding and clenching can mean waking up with pain in your face and jaw. Over time, the wear and tear on your enamel can lead to worrying smile changes, and it can even result in problems with dental damage that affects your oral health! Our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office is prepared to help patients who are struggling with this issue. Protecting your smile with a custom guard can keep you safe against trouble during the night. If you are worried because this issue has already caused wear and tear that you can see, we can discuss different treatment options that are available to you.

Do You Often Experience Issues With Nightly Teeth Grinding?

A tendency to grind and clench your jaw while you sleep can be an immediate concern because of the discomfort it causes. Over time, issues with wear and tear that harm your teeth can arise, which can turn an already frustrating issue into a more alarming one. At a regular dental exam, your dentist will look closely at your teeth for evidence of friction that can be linked to this issue of grinding and clenching, which is also known as bruxism. Between visits, be mindful of issues with morning discomfort, and look out for changes in tooth shape or condition that suggest that something may be wrong.

Using A Custom Guard To Keep Your Teeth Safe During The Night

By providing you with a custom guard to wear while you are sleeping, our practice can help you stay safe against bruxism and the harm it can do to enamel. Thanks to the careful design of this appliance, you can count on it to remain in place, and you can find that wearing it is easier to adjust to than you anticipated. Its presence keeps your teeth apart, and it can also lessen the stress placed on your jaw, which lowers your risk for TMJ disorder.

What Can You Do If You Already Have Enamel Damage To Address?

If you already have problems with enamel damage, you can talk to your dentist about either restorative dentistry or cosmetic dental work. Cosmetic services provide more conservative treatments, which means you have fewer changes made to your tooth structure. If we notice that teeth have more significant harm that can affect their ability to bite and chew, we can recommend they be restored with dental crowns.

Talk To Your Prairie Village, KS Dentist About Your Habit Of Teeth Grinding And Clenching

If you have issues with bruxism, seeking help in a timely manner will be important for preventing long-term issues with your appearance and health. If you would like to find out more, reach out to our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office at 913-901-8585.