Many people who grind or clench their teeth are unaware that they do so simply because they do it while sleeping. At St. Stephen Dental Centre, a member of our team can identify the signs of bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) and help you get the treatment you need. In many cases, our dentists may recommend that you use a night guard or bite splint to protect your teeth. If you would like to schedule an appointment to learn whether a night guard or bite splint is right for you, we welcome you to contact us today.
Night guards and bite splints are special types of mouth guards that are used to treat bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching). If Dr. Quilan suspects that you suffer from bruxism, we may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth from damage and prevent teeth grinding while you sleep. A bite splint may also be recommended for daytime use.
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:
- Chronic jaw pain, facial pain, and ear pain
- Awakening with a tired or tight feeling in the jaw
- Frequent tension headaches and migraines
- Excessive tooth wear, leading to chipped, flattened, cracked, or very worn teeth
- Extremely worn tooth enamel, exposing the inner layers of the tooth
- Indentations on the side of the tongue
- Increased tooth sensitivity
If you notice the signs of bruxism, you may benefit from a custom night guard or bite splint. This guard will be custom made to fit your smile comfortably and effectively, allowing you to sleep peacefully and go about your daily activities while protecting your smile. We invite you to contact us today to learn more about night guards and bite splints, and how we can prevent teeth grinding. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your smile.
