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.
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