How Using Bruxism Nightguards Can Save Your Teeth From Damage

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can be mild and harmless, but in some cases, it leads to worn enamel, jaw pain, headaches, and interrupted sleep. Over time, untreated grinding can damage your teeth and affect your overall oral health.

If you're waking up with jaw tension or notice signs of wear, it’s time to talk to a dentist in Milford about strategies to help. Professionally made nightguards can be a highly effective way to protect your smile while promoting restful sleep. They’re custom-fit, comfortable, and built to shield your teeth from the long-term effects of grinding or clenching.

Causes of Bruxism

Many things can cause teeth clenching, including:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Abnormal bite
• Crooked or missing teeth
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Sleep disorders

Interestingly, a 2016 study in The Journal of the American Dental Association revealed that you are twice as likely to clench your teeth at night if you drink alcohol or smoke.

Signs of sleep bruxism

• Dull headache
• Jaw muscle contractions
• Painful or loose teeth
• Jaw clicking
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Sore jaw
• Facial pain
• Grinding noises at night

Bruxism can eventually cause temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), a painful condition that affects the jaw joint, which is located just under your ears.

Bruxism nightguards can save your teeth

If you experience bruxism and it’s starting to impact your smile, our team may recommend using a professional, custom-made nightguard to shield your teeth from cracks, breaks, and overall clenching while you sleep.

If you grind your teeth in your sleep, and you want to talk to a dentist about bruxism nightguards, book an appointment at Milford Family Dental today!