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Many people are afflicted with bruxism, or teeth grinding. Some people may do this consciously during the day, but it is a larger problem at night while you are asleep. Grinding your teeth can damage enamel, wear down teeth, cause jaw pain, or irritate your gums. The noise from teeth grinding can also disturb your spouse's sleep if loud enough.

If you grind your teeth you should consider a night guard. The night guard provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. All night guards are custom fitted for comfort and to allow for proper breathing. Night guards are very durable and can be used for up to 10 years.

We make multiple types of night guards on our office, but our most utilized is called a Nitebite. This is an appliance that sits over your 4 front teeth only so it is small and comfortable while protecting your teeth. It is custom fitted for your teeth and can be fabricated in just one 20-30 minute visit. There are also some things that you can do to try to stop teeth grinding. You can train your jaw to be free and easy rather than clenched. Refrain from chewing gum or on other objects like pens. You should also avoid alcoholic drinks and drinks with caffeine, as these can increase the likelihood you will grind your teeth. If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth at night set up an appointment with us today.

There are several benefits to using nightguards for TMJ.

The TMJ, also known as the temporomandibular joints, are essential for the movement of your mouth. Unfortunately, teeth grinding can result in issues with these joints, resulting in TMJ and a range of symptoms like jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and a locked jaw. TMJ can also be caused by inflammation or jaw injuries. Thankfully, wearing nightguards for TMJ during sleep can aid in aligning your jaws properly and alleviating muscle tension. Additionally, using a nightguard may provide relief from other TMJ symptoms such as:
  • Pain or discomfort in the face
  • Pain in the neck and shoulders
  • Severe discomfort resembling an earache
  • Experiencing the perception of a ringing sound in the ear
  • Difficulties encountered while chewing or speaking
  • Feeling uneasy while eating or speaking

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