Nightguards for Bruxism in Wayne, MI
Shield Your Teeth from the Harmful Effects of Bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, affects millions of people worldwide. If left untreated, it can cause damage to the teeth, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), resulting in headaches, jaw pain, and other symptoms.
Nightguards for bruxism are an effective solution to protect your teeth and alleviate the symptoms of bruxism. At Village Dental, Dr. Seth Zumstein offers personalized night guards to help you get a good night’s sleep and protect your teeth from grinding. Learn more from our top-rated dentist in Wayne, MI.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition in which you grind your teeth unconsciously, mostly during sleep. It can also occur while awake, particularly when stressed or anxious. Bruxism affects around 10% of adults and children and can cause significant damage to teeth and gums, resulting in pain, sensitivity, and tooth decay.
Signs of Bruxism
The symptoms of bruxism can vary from person to person, but here are some common signs to look out for:
- Teeth grinding or clenching sounds while asleep
- Worn-down or flattened teeth, especially the front teeth
- Headaches or jaw pain upon waking up
- Sensitive teeth
- Aching or tightness in the jaw muscles
- Earache or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Swelling on the side of the face
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek treatment to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
Causes of Bruxism
The exact cause of bruxism is unknown but is believed to be a combination of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Here are some common causes of bruxism:
- Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety are major contributing factors to bruxism. People who are prone to stress and anxiety grind their teeth as a way of releasing tension.
- Misaligned Teeth: If your teeth don’t fit together correctly, you may grind them without realizing it. Over time, this habit can damage your teeth and jaw muscles.
- Medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants, can cause bruxism as a side effect.
- Sleep Disorders: Sleep apnea, snoring, and other disorders can cause bruxism.
- Lifestyle Factors: Consuming caffeine or alcohol, smoking, and recreational drug use can also increase the risk of bruxism.
What are Nightguards?
Nightguards are dental devices that protect your teeth from the damage caused by grinding and clenching. They are usually made of soft or hard plastic and are worn over the teeth during sleep to cushion them and prevent them from touching each other. Nightguards work by absorbing the pressure generated when you grind your teeth.
Benefits of Customized Nightguards
Using nightguards for bruxism has several benefits, including:
- Protecting your teeth from damage caused by grinding and clenching
- Reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Alleviating the symptoms of bruxism, such as headaches and jaw pain
- Improving sleep quality by reducing disturbances caused by teeth-grinding sounds
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there is a difference between a mouthguard and a nightguard. Mouthguards protect the teeth during sports or other physical activities, while nightguards treat bruxism and are worn while sleeping.
Nightguards can be made for the upper or lower arch, depending on your needs and preferences. Your dentist will help you determine which option is best for you.
Yes, you can wear a night guard every night if needed. Follow your dentist’s instructions on to wear and clean your nightguard and how often to replace it.
Wash your nightguard daily with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the nightguard. Additionally, it is important to rinse your nightguard thoroughly before and after each use to remove any bacteria or debris.
Protect Your Teeth and Sleep Better with Nightguards
Nightguards for bruxism are a simple and effective way to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of teeth grinding and clenching. By choosing the right type of nightguard and following proper care instructions, you can ensure that your nightguard lasts for a long time and provides the relief you need.
Don’t let bruxism damage your smile. Call our Wayne, MI, office at (734) 722-1617 or fill out our online contact form to book your appointment. We also serve patients in Romulus, Westland, and Inkster.