Bruxism
Night Guards: If you have a dental history of bruxism (grinding or clenching your teeth), or are unaware and have symptoms of bruxism, a night guard may be recommended. Bruxism can happen during the day or at night. Many people grind/clench their teeth when they are in a deep sleep, others may do it during the day while they are driving in deep thought, under stress, or even lifting weights at the gym!
If you are a bruxer you are at risk for:
- Wearing down or even breaking your teeth/restorations.
- Inflammation of your periodontal ligament that supports your teeth, thus causing them to be sore to bite on or even loosen
- Hypersensitive teeth
- Gum Recession
- Frequent headaches
- Neck pain
- Jaw pain and muscle tenderness
- Clicking/popping when opening/closing your jaw
- Limited jaw opening, or jaw lock
To make a night guard a dental impression will be taken and sent to a lab to fabricate. It is recommended that you bring your night guard with you to every cleaning appointment to have it professional cleaned and inspected.
