What steps can you take to protect your teeth when you are asleep? By brushing and flossing each evening, you clear deposits of oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease, but how do you protect against the physical wear and tear of your teeth? Otherwise known as bruxism, you may not even know you are grinding and clenching your teeth at night until the damage becomes quite significant. The erosion of your enamel caused by this disorder can cause your bite to become uneven as well as expose the inner layers of your teeth to oral threats. Stress from clenching your facial muscles and jaw can cause restless sleep and chronic pain that you awake to each morning. Fortunately, by reporting your symptoms, you can receive a solution that offers protection from your grinding habit.
At your Cerritos, CA dental practice, we can evaluate your mouth for signs of bruxism and provide you with appropriate treatment. When you wear a nightly oral guard, you can separate each row of your smile from touching one another and end the wear and tear of your teeth. You will enjoy a better night’s rest as the guard ends the stressful clenching of your jaw and allows your muscles to relax while you sleep.
Detecting The Signs Of Grinding And Clenching
While the exact causes of bruxism are not known, grinding your teeth is associated with anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, and heavy alcohol use. This means that you can take steps to address these conditions in your life to relieve your grinding habit. The main symptom of bruxism is the wearing and chipping of the surface of your teeth, and the amount of wear you experience indicates its severity. This activity may even be audible to others, so consider asking a family member to observe you while you sleep to detect the behavior. Clenching can also result in chronic headaches and earaches when you wake up each morning.
Wearing A Nightly Oral Guard
When you visit us at Cerritos Dental Surgery, we will provide you with an oral guard when we discover the signs of bruxism. Made from a BPA-free custom-fit material, your guard will protect your teeth while you sleep by separating each row. This helps you fight tooth decay and gum disease associated with the erosion of your enamel. To help repair your existing damage, we can also discuss cosmetic options to restore the beauty of your smile!
Speak With Your Cerritos, CA, Dentist About Wearing An Oral Guard
By wearing an oral guard, you can protect your teeth from grinding while you sleep. Wake up feeling refreshed each morning with the knowledge that your teeth are free from wear and tear. To discuss using this solution or repairing damage from your condition, please call your Cerritos, CA, dentist’s office at (562)-584-4082! We serve patients from all surrounding communities, such as Lakewood, Long Beach, and Buena Park.
