Preventative Measures
Avoid damage caused by teeth grinding, which gradually wears down your teeth and can lead to chipping, cracking, or exposure of dentin and nerves. This exposure can result in sensitivity while eating or drinking and may eventually lead to gum recession or loose teeth. Moreover, it can damage any existing dental restorations. Utilizing a night guard prevents your upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other, thereby averting potential damage.
Alleviate Discomfort
Nighttime teeth grinding often manifests as severe headaches and tooth pain upon waking. Persistent discomfort may indicate the necessity of wearing a guard during sleep. Clenching during the night disrupts sound sleep and contributes to daytime lethargy. Many patients report significant relief within days of consistent guard usage. Although some grinding stems from stress or tension, determining its cause or cessation remains elusive, underscoring the importance of continued guard usage.
Treating TMJ
Chronic grinding or clenching can precipitate TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, characterized by morning jaw soreness and occasional headaches. Symptoms may extend to facial pain, neck discomfort, or jaw pain during meals. If you experience these indicators, contact our SA Family Dentist office promptly at 210 - 654 - 8455 / 210 - 523 - 9696 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Patel and Dr. Mehta can address TMJ concerns, including joint manipulation at no additional expense if necessary.