Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a serious condition that wears down tooth enamel and increases your risk for jaw pain, gum irritation, headaches, tooth fractures, and more.
If you grind your teeth at night, you’ll want to ask our Holland dentist at Macatawa Smiles about wearing a night guard. We’ll create a night guard that protects your teeth from bruxism, yet is comfortable enough to wear while you sleep.
Symptoms of Nighttime Teeth Grinding
Many of our patients are unaware they are grinding their teeth at night until it’s brought up by our dentist. If you aren’t sure whether you grind your teeth, your dentist will be able to check for signs of bruxism in your smile, such as worn tooth enamel. Other symptoms of nighttime teeth grinding include jaw pain, headaches, and chipped or otherwise damaged teeth.
How Night Guards Work
A forms a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth to prevent teeth grinding. Night guards are similar to mouth guards worn by athletes. The major difference is that an athletic mouth guard is made to protect teeth from blunt force trauma to the face, while a night guard is made to protect teeth from teeth grinding.
During your first appointment with us, our family dentist will take impressions of your teeth to make your dental night guard. When you come back for your second appointment, your teeth grinding guard will be ready to pick up. Before you leave, our dentist might make minor adjustments so the fit is comfortable and you can breathe easily.
Protect Your Teeth
Our Holland, MI, night guard dentist works hard to help patients achieve good oral health. If you are interested in learning how to prevent nighttime teeth grinding with a custom night guard, call Macatawa Smiles at (616) 396-7524, or contact us online.
