Many people clench or grind their teeth to the point of destructiveness. Most people are completely unaware that they do it, because often they do it while they sleep. Partially because patients don’t know they grind their teeth and also because the thought of wearing a night guard is pretty unappealing
What Happens If I Grind My Teeth and Don’t Wear a Night Guard?
Bruxism is the medical term for forceful clenching and/or grinding of your teeth. It is considered a major cause of tooth problems. Some patients will say that they notice signs of wear, but it is not just a cosmetic problem.
The action of grinding- where your upper and lower teeth move back and forth with great force against each other- causes your teeth to flatten. Allowed to persist, grinding causes temperature sensitivity, pain because the wear gets down to the nerve, cracks in the teeth, receding gums and eventually lost teeth. To fix these, patients will need crowns, bridges, veneers, implants, extractions, & root canals. Grinding can also cause migraine headaches and pain in the shoulders, neck, back and ears.
There Has to be a Way to Stop Grinding Instead of Wearing a Night Guard
Unfortunately, there really is no “cure” for bruxism. According to The Bruxism Association based in the UK, although other treatments such as biofeedback hypnosis, and even botox has been tried to help with teeth grinding, research has shown the most effective treatment to date to be night guards.
Why can’t I Get One at My Local Drugstore?
A dentist will take into account your specific situation. You dentist’s office will take impressions of your teeth so that the dental lab can make a might guard that is the exact match to your teeth.
If you have noticed wear and tear on your teeth, are experiencing any symptoms that you suspect might be from grinding your teeth call ……..
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