Night Guards: How They Can Help Treat Your Sleep and Your Bruxism

Posted on 6/8/2020 by Dr. Frank K. Sioda

Feeling pain is how your body tells you that something just is not right. Waking up morning after morning with pain in your jaw could be an indication of a condition known as bruxism. Bruxism can cause unbearable discomfort and can have a significant impact on your overall quality of life. At ZenTech Dentistry, we can help to alleviate your jaw pain, improving the health and functioning of your mouth, with a custom fit night guard.

Symptoms of Bruxism

There are some different symptoms of bruxism. Some of the symptoms are immediately apparent. Others, however, come on gradually, worsening over time. Symptoms of bruxism include:

•	Pain in your jaw and temporomandibular joints.
•	Facial pain.
•	Uneven or excessive wear on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. This wear can increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities. It also puts your teeth at risk for physical damage.
•	Gum recession, which can also lead to tooth sensitivity.
•	Loose teeth and tooth loss. Excessive tooth wear can wear away the bone in your jaw, causing your teeth to become unstable.
•	Chronic headaches or earaches.

Bruxism Causes

Bruxism does not have one singular cause. There are a few different issues that can lead to grinding and clenching. One of the most common causes is stress. When you are under stress, all of your muscles become tense. Stress can even affect you while you sleep. Other causes of bruxism include:

•	Stimulants such as caffeine.
•	Certain types of medication.
•	Lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking.
•	Poorly aligned teeth or jaws.

Treating Bruxism with a Night Guard

We can help to alleviate the symptoms of bruxism with a custom-made night guard. At ZenTech Dentistry, we create a custom night guard from digital impressions of your mouth. Not only do we create one to the exact specifications of your mouth, but we are also able to take your bite into account as well. This ensures that your night guard is comfortable as well as effective, enabling you to get the relief that you need. Although a night guard cannot stop bruxism, it can alleviate the symptoms, significantly improving your quality of life. For more information, and to find out if a night guard is right for you, call ZenTech Dentistry today at (503) 765-9699.

Dental Blog | Dentist West Linn | ZenTech Dentistry
Dr. Frank Sioda of ZenTech Dentistry has created this informative blog to help educate the community about a variety of dental topics. Learn more here.
ZenTech Dentistry - Frank K. Sioda, DMD, PC, 18676 Willamette Dr., Suite 202, West Linn, OR 97068-1718 - (503) 765-9699 - zentechdentistry.com - 10/6/2024 - Related Phrases: dentist West Linn -