Protecting Teeth While You Sleep – Nightguard Knowledge

You know you need a mouthguard when you play a sport like hockey or football, but when you are sleeping? Really? What in the world is there to protect your teeth from while you are snug in your bed, cushioned everywhere by pillows and blankets?

You need to protect your teeth from yourself!

Many patients at our dental office in Clinton Township come to us because their teeth are cracked, chipped, or worn down and they have no idea why. And when we tell them, they have a difficult time understanding how they could have no memory of doing it. They are suffering from bruxism, an unconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth, and their smiles are showing the telltale signs.

Could You Have Bruxism?

The primary symptoms of bruxism are:

• Worn, chipped, broken teeth
• Flattened tooth surfaces
• Exposure of tooth layers and loss of enamel
• Tooth sensitivity
• Jaw pain
• Headache and facial pain
• Earache from jaw muscle tension and contraction
• A scalloped tongue or irregular tongue edges
• Damaged mouth tissue

If you have any of these symptoms, please call our Clinton Township dental office right away.

What Causes Tooth Grinding and Clenching?

There are a number of causes of bruxism including:

• Sleep disorders
• Stress, tension, or anxiety
• Misaligned jaw or poor bite alignment
• Acid reflux
• As a result of some diseases such as Parkinson’s disease
• As a side effect of some medications

If bruxism isn’t treated, it can lead to breaking teeth, TMJ disease, and migraines. It can also ruin much of the restorative or cosmetic dentistry you have invested in.

Let Us Help

At our dental office in Clinton Township, we can fit you with a custom-made night guard appliance that will reduce the damage to your teeth from grinding or clenching during sleep, reduce any grinding-related symptoms, and protect your dental investments!

About The Author

Dr. Sophia Papasifakis Masters

Dr. Sophia Masters boasts 33 years of experience in the field of dentistry. Skilled in different dental procedures, she had advanced training in several prestigious dental institutions such as the Kois Center and The Dawson Center for Advanced Dentistry. She is a professional member of several dental organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Additionally, she actively volunteers for Donated Dental Services, among others, and was an adjunct clinical faculty at Detroit Mercy Dental and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

Read The Full Bio