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You may be damaging your teeth while you sleep without realizing it.
Teeth grinding and clenching, commonly called bruxism, often happens during sleep. Because you are not awake when it occurs, the first signs may appear in the morning or during a routine dental examination.
You might wake with a tired jaw. Your teeth may become increasingly sensitive. Your partner may even hear grinding sounds during the night.
Over time, repeated grinding can contribute to dental wear and other problems.
Luma Dental provides night guards in East York and Riverdale as part of its preventive dental services.
Bruxism refers to involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth.
Some people clench their teeth while concentrating or experiencing stress during the day. Others grind primarily while sleeping.
Occasional clenching does not necessarily cause significant damage. However, frequent or forceful grinding places repeated pressure on teeth, restorations and the muscles involved in chewing.
Because nighttime bruxism can occur without your awareness, it helps to recognize its possible signs.
These may include:
Your dentist may also identify patterns of wear during a routine examination.
Yes, repeated grinding can place considerable stress on teeth.
Your enamel is strong, but years of repeated tooth-to-tooth pressure can gradually wear it down. As enamel becomes thinner, teeth may become more sensitive.
Existing fillings, crowns and other dental restorations may also experience additional stress.
In more significant cases, teeth may chip or fracture.
Protecting teeth before extensive wear occurs is one reason dentists may recommend a night guard for certain patients with bruxism.
A night guard is a dental appliance worn over the teeth while sleeping.
It creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. Instead of the teeth repeatedly grinding directly against each other, the guard absorbs or redistributes some of those forces.
A night guard does not necessarily eliminate the underlying reason a person clenches or grinds. Its primary dental role is to help protect the teeth from the effects of that behaviour.
You may have seen mouth guards available online or in pharmacies. So, why consider a professionally fitted appliance?
The key difference is customization.
A custom night guard is made to fit your teeth and bite. This can improve fit, retention and comfort.
Luma Dental’s night guard service includes custom-fit options as well as information about other types of guards.
The appropriate appliance depends on your dental condition and the type of protection required.
Your dentist will examine your teeth for characteristic wear, fractures and changes in enamel.
The condition of your restorations may provide additional clues. Your dentist can also assess your bite and ask about symptoms such as jaw tightness or morning headaches.
Not every headache or sensitive tooth is caused by bruxism. Therefore, getting a proper assessment is preferable to assuming that grinding is the cause.
A night guard needs regular cleaning.
Follow the instructions provided by your dental team. Generally, the appliance should be rinsed after use and stored in an appropriate ventilated container when dry.
Avoid exposing it to excessive heat, which may affect some dental materials.
Bring your night guard to dental checkups periodically. Your dentist can examine its condition and determine whether the fit has changed.
Consider arranging an examination if you frequently wake with jaw discomfort, notice increasing tooth wear or sensitivity, repeatedly damage dental restorations, or have been told that you grind your teeth during sleep.
Early assessment may allow your dentist to recommend ways to protect your teeth before more extensive damage develops.
Teeth grinding may happen while you are asleep, but its effects can follow you throughout the day.
If you are experiencing signs of bruxism, a dental examination can help determine whether a night guard is appropriate.
Luma Dental offers preventive dental care and night guards from its office at 807 Broadview Ave., #210, Toronto, serving East York, Riverdale, Danforth and nearby communities.
Call 416-778-8084 to arrange an appointment.
How do I know if I grind my teeth while sleeping?
Morning jaw tightness, worn teeth, sensitivity, headaches and grinding sounds noticed by a partner can be possible signs.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
A night guard is primarily intended to protect the teeth from grinding and clenching forces. It may not eliminate the underlying habit.
How long does a night guard last?
It varies depending on the material, fit and severity of grinding. Regular dental checks can de