Feb
If you’ve been diagnosed with bruxism, unpleasant symptoms like chronic headaches, jaw soreness, and tooth pain are the order of the day. But guess what? You don’t have to live a life of discomfort. Peachtree Corners Dental Associates in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, can create a customized nightguard to protect your smile while you sleep. A bruxism oral appliance prevents the upper and lower teeth from getting into contact, providing a significant improvement in your bruxism symptoms.Â
Bruxism is a technical term for chronic teeth grinding. It often happens subconsciously when sleeping, although sometimes it can occur during the day. During teeth grinding and jaw clenching, the forces exerted overwork the jaw muscles and teeth, often causing undesirable symptoms like:
Your dentist can diagnose bruxism during a dental exam by observing changes in your teeth and other oral structures. The dentist may also use dental X-rays to determine the extent of damage to your teeth and underlying bone to devise the best treatment option.
The exact cause of bruxism isn’t known, but stress, drug use, certain medications, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea have been linked to bruxism. Whatever the cause of your bruxism, see a dentist immediately. When left untreated, bruxism not only causes discomfort but may require costly and extensive treatments, such as root canals, crowns, and even implants, to reverse the damage.Â
Our office uses a customized mouthguard as the first line of treatment for teeth grinding. A mouthguard provides a cushioning effect that absorbs and redistributes the forces generated during teeth grinding or clenching. By acting as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, the mouthguard minimizes the impact on the teeth, reducing the risk of wear, fractures, and damage. A mouthguard also reduces the strain on jaw muscles and joints, reducing headaches and jaw pain.
Not all mouthguards are created equal. While you can buy generic mouthguards online or at the drugstore, they won’t work effectively. Our nightguards are fabricated after taking imprints of your dentition. As a result, they fit snugly to offer superior comfort and protection.Â
A bruxism mouthguard can bring all the difference in your smile and life. To get started, call (770) 501-6669 to schedule an appointment with Drs. Kristina Dawson and Kaitlin English.