Signs of Teeth Grinding
There are several signs that indicate that a person is grinding their teeth. Some of the most notable include:
- Cracks or fractures on the teeth
- Worn down restorations
- Loose or sensitive teeth
- TMJ pains
- Ear and neck pain
- Headaches
- Flat teeth
- Worn down enamel
All of the symptoms problems can lead to more serious problems if they are not addressed in a timely manner.
What Causes Teeth Grinding
Understanding the reason why you may grind your teeth can help to address the root cause. For some, sleep apnea leads to grinding and clenching of their jaws during the night. Having a narrow upper airway and jaw can also increase a person’s likelihood of grinding their teeth during the night.
How Can Mouth Guards Help
If you are able to identify the underlying cause of your teeth grinding, you can treat and monitor the condition. Mouth guards are an effective way to help prevent you from grinding your teeth and saving you from long-term complications.
Nightguards are the most common type of mouth guard used. These are designed to help relax the muscles in your jaw and mouth that can cause strains and soreness. There are three different types of nightguards available. These include:
- Stock night guards which are bought from the store.
- Boil and bite nightguards, which you boil and mold to your teeth and jaw.
- Custom night guards, which are custom designed to fit your mouth.
This safe method of treating teeth grinding is non-invasive and can provide instant relief.
See How a Mouth Guard Can Help You
Struggling with teeth grinding is not something that you have to worry about forever. Thankfully, using mouth guards can help to provide you with the relief that you need. Contact Dr. Louisa Gallegos, DDS, today at 303-316-4034 or request an appointment online to get started.
