Do you wake up with a headache, earache, sore jaw or sore facial muscles? If so, you may be clenching and grinding.
Clenching (holding the teeth together and tightening the jaw muscles) and grinding (moving the jaw with the teeth held together) not only causes discomfort but can also cause damage. Although clenching and grinding more commonly occurs at night during sleep, for some people these actions also occur during the day. During the day you can recognize and stop the action, however, at night, these actions are involuntary and not in our control, resulting in repetitive and prolonged periods of stress on your teeth and jaw. When exposed to constant pressure, teeth may develop cracks, fractures and increased sensitivity as the enamel wears away.
Wearing a nightguard can help. Custom-made and form-fitted to your teeth, a nightguard prevents your teeth from making contact, which can help alleviate discomfort and may prevent future damage as well.
Please Contact us with any questions you might have. Not a patient but would like to become one? Send us an Appointment Request!