Bruxism, or the term for persistent grinding of teeth, can lead to serious damage. This action often occurs in patients while they are asleep, and sometimes they might not even notice their activity. For many people, they learn from their partner, who sees them while they sleep!
Grinding and all its other forms such as gnashing and clenching can significantly damage the structures of your mouth. Not only that, but it can reshape the way your teeth sit within your head. And you also are more likely to experience sleep apnea or other jaw disorders.
But there is an effortless, surgery-free option for you and it relies on comfortable custom mouth guards that you wear overnight. By preventing the contact between the jaws, we can stop any potential issues before they occur. Beyond oral health, this behavior can lead to lasting headaches, which can prevent you from being able to live your life fully. Today, your Baxter, MN dentist explains some of the benefits to wearing a nightly mouthguard in order to protect your smile!
Harm During Sleep
One of the most difficult things about nightly bruxism is the fact that you may be unconscious during the behavior. This means that regardless of your strength of will, you may be hurting yourself while your defenses are down.
Bruxism can wear down the structure of your teeth, flattening your molars. It can also lead to shortened incisors, giving an unappealing look. Cosmetically, this can require the use of porcelain veneers to rebuild your smile. If the damage becomes severe enough, it may expose the interior portion of your tooth to infection.
When this occurs, a root canal is the most likely solution. This includes a pulpectomy, which is the removal of the flesh, sealing off the connections to your jaw and your circulatory system. By preventing this behavior and its harm, you can maintain as much of your healthy natural oral material as possible. Preventive care can save time and money, while promoting your own immune system!
Night Guards May Help
For those in need of protection from their sleeping selves, a guard worn overnight may be a fantastic solution for you. There are also a couple of different ways to achieve this.
There are boil-and-bite solutions which you can find at any drugstore or supermarket. These operate in much the same way that protective sports gear can, where you heat a thermoplastic material in water. Then when it softens, you bite down directly and firmly until the material hardens. This creates a functional mold of your teeth, with a soft barrier that prevents damage.
We also produce custom mouthguards for people who desire a slimmer, less-obtrusive approach. These can maximize your new sleep, giving you the best rest possible!
Visit Our Office in Baxter, MN!
Dr. Clinton L. Roberts and the friendly staff at Greenhaven Family Dental are happy to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile with a comprehensive approach to general dentistry. With years of training and experience in dental sleep medicine, Dr. Roberts is also adept at helping patients treat snoring and sleep apnea so they can rest more easily (and quietly). To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call our office in Baxter, MN, today at (218) 454-0523. We proudly welcome patients from Brainerd, Little Falls, Staples, Crosby-Ironton-Deerwood, and all surrounding communities.