Are You Grinding Your Teeth at Night? A Nightguard in Herndon Can Help

Do you regularly wake up with a headache, jaw pain, ear ache, or the feeling you can’t open your mouth all the way? You may be suffering from a common oral health problem known as bruxism, the unconscious grinding and clenching of teeth. It may not seem like a big deal, but untreated, this condition can be detrimental to oral health. Teeth can wear, chip, and break, the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in the jaw are used excessively leading to strain, and patients may even experience hearing loss. If you think you may be experiencing bruxism, the skilled dentist and team at Virginia Dentistry by Design can help.

What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth. This condition is most noticeable during sleep. At night, those who suffer from bruxism are not aware of the motion of their, and the grinding and clenching becomes more pronounced. In some cases, bruxism is brought on by added stress, but some patients may experience grinding and clenching habitually. Some people clench teeth together throughout the day because this position feels natural for their bite, and they grind and clench more tightly during sleep. Symptoms of bruxism patients should be aware of include:
• Grinding and clenching teeth loudly enough to waken other people nearby
• Flattened looking teeth
• Enamel worn so much that the yellow, dentin layer below is visible
• Fractures, chips, and cracks in teeth
• Loose teeth
• Jaw or face pain
• Tooth sensitivity
• Dull headache
• Earache or difficulty hearing
How do Nightguards Help?
Nightguards come in many shapes and sizes, but their essential function is the same. They place a barrier between teeth, so patients are unable to grind their teeth together during sleep. We choose the style of nightguard based on patient preference, and have each guard custom made to fit an individual smile. This makes our guards more comfortable than some off the shelf options, and patients are more likely to wear their guard consistently. We can even create small guards patients wear throughout the day, for those with especially severe bruxism.
Find out more about Bruxism in Herndon
If you’re concerned that dental wear and morning headaches may be a result of bruxism, contact Virginia Dentistry by Design. In most cases, patients have been told by one or more people that they