Chronic jaw clenching and grinding one's teeth is called bruxism. While it can happen any time of day, it often occurs at night causing an individual to wake up with any number of symptoms including jaw pain, headaches, and sore teeth that may feel loose. Although, stress and anxiety are the most common causes of bruxism there may be other contributing factors such as a sleep disorder, an abnormal bite, as well as teeth that are missing or poorly aligned.
A night guard is a special type of mouth guard that is used to treat bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching. If your dentist suspects that you suffer from bruxism, you may be recommended a night guard to protect your teeth from damage and prevent teeth grinding while you sleep. Many people who suffer from bruxism are unaware of the condition because it occurs while they sleep.
Common signs of nighttime teeth clenching and grinding include:
If you notice the signs of bruxism, you may benefit from a custom night guard. This night guard will be made to fit your smile comfortably and effectively, allowing you to sleep peacefully while protecting your teeth.
Dr. Kathiriya, our cosmetic dentist in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA and her caring staff always make sure every single patient that visits is comfortable and relaxed before, during and after treatment. Schedule an appointment to create a custom night guard in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA by calling us at (818) 784-5889 or request your appointment online.
