Did you know that there has been an influx of people seeing the dentist due to cracked teeth? Since the Pandemic dentists are starting to see this trend, according to the Washing Post Article. The assumption is that the stress from the Pandemic is causing tooth-grinding and jaw-clenching. The technical word for this is called bruxism. Below we will help determine what are the symptoms of Bruxism.
What are the Symptoms of Bruxism?
- Abraded teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Facial pain
- Overly sensitive teeth
- Tense facial and jaw muscles
- Headaches
- Dislocation of the jaw
- Locking of the jaw
- Wearing away of the tooth enamel, exposing the underlying dentin (inside of the tooth)
- A popping or clicking in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- Tongue indentations
- Damage to the inside of the cheek
- Wear facets (flat smooth areas created on the biting surfaces of the teeth as they are rubbed together repeatedly)
Can Smiles of Round Lake help prevent Symptoms of Bruxism?
Regular Dental Checkups always help to prevent underlying causes. Call our office if you have been told you have bruxism or you clench and grind your teeth. We can set up an appointment for you. Dr. Lin can review and diagnose the issue with you. A custom-fitted nightguard might be the answer to your bruxism problem. This will prevent additional damage to your jaw and teeth.
What’s the Difference Between Drugstore Nightguard and Custom-fitted?
Drugstore nightguards are handy as a last resort. They tend to be made up of lesser materials which will tend to wear down quicker. The custom-fitted nightguard by Smiles of Round Lake is made of quality materials and won’t breakdown as quickly. The custom-fitted nightguard is molded to your teeth’s impression. It is specific to your needs, Where the drugstores are a one size fits all issues. In this case, you really get what you pay for.
How does a Nightguard work?
A nightguard restores the natural space that should be between your lower and upper teeth. This will reduce the effects of clenching and grinding your teeth, so you won’t continue to damage the structure and enamel of your teeth. A nightguard can also alleviate the jaw pain and morning headaches that are accompanied by bruxism. It can also help alleviate the pain and discomfort of TMJ syndrome. The great thing about a nightguard is that it is non-invasive.
Please give Smiles of Round Lake a call at 847-546-1542 today If you have concerns about bruxism. We would love to assist you with any of your dental concerns or needs.