Do You Have Jaw Pain?
When you wake up in the morning, is your jaw sore? Do you wonder what may be causing your frequent dull headaches or tooth pain? It’s estimated that 30 to 40 million U.S. children and adults suffer from these symptoms caused by a dental condition that often goes undiagnosed. Read more to find out about how you can get relief from these nagging issues. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common dental condition that occurs while you are sleeping and because you are not aware of it, the damage to your teeth can be extensive. Bruxism can be caused by:
- Stress and anxiety
- Misaligned bite
- Missing or crooked teeth
- Sleep apnea
While some people may grind their teeth at night from time to time, it is chronic bruxism that is harmful to your teeth. Over time, the constant grinding can cause worn down, chipped or fractured teeth. It can also cause a jaw issue known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The good news is that we can treat this condition with a night guard. We fit patients with these night guards right in our office, and you don’t even need a prescription to receive one. The night guard is worn while you sleep and prevents your top teeth from touching your bottom teeth. We offer three kinds of guards: soft, hard and dual laminate. We will help determine which guard is best for you based on your dental needs and make sure the guard you receive fits your mouth well. While you can get an over-the-counter night guard at a pharmacy, it won’t last as long or perform as well as one that is personalized for you. We want you to know that there is relief for your teeth grinding symptoms. If you have questions or concerns, please let us know. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit!
