How to Avoid Teeth Grinding at Night

If you think that you are the only person who grinds their teeth at night, you are mistaken.

This problem is prominent in thousands of individuals, so you are not alone. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism and is an easily treatable condition.

If you have problems with teeth grinding and clenching during your sleep, there are easy ways that this can be prevented with the help from your dentist. While teeth grinding, or bruxism, isn't a big problem when it happens once or twice, it can be a huge problem when it occurs all the time. In fact, there is a very simple thing that you can receive to stop the grinding and protect your teeth from themselves, and it will only require a half-hour appointment!

A dentist can give you an appropriate-fitting mouth guard, known as an occlusal guard, that can protect your teeth from clenching and grinding.

This keeps your teeth from scraping against one another. If your teeth can't scrape against one another, they are unable to damage each other. The guard also allows the muscles of your jaw joint to relax, which can reduce tension in the jaw.

Also, if your bruxism is stress-related, which is very common, you can ask your dentist or doctor about different things that you can do to reduce stress. You may also benefit from prescribed medication to help relax your jaw joint muscles and reduce stress.

What could happen from your teeth grinding and clenching if it is left untreated?

While you have very strong teeth if you have taken care of them, the constant grinding will slowly wear them down.

Your teeth may become more flat, making it more difficult to tear food apart, such as meats. Also, your teeth may become more sensitive or start to break down and require restorations.

If you are experiencing jaw joint discomfort or bruxism, get an occlusal guard as soon as possible. This will prevent further damage and may provide immediate relief for your jaw symptoms. If you are experiencing any jaw discomfort, clenching or grinding, set up an appointment with a dentist today!