We make a lot of unhealthy decisions when it comes to our oral health. From smoking to eating sweets all day and not brushing our teeth before bed, we are responsible for these conscious decisions and their consequences. However, most people do not realize that some of our most unhealthy habits are completed when we are not even conscious. Some of our most unhealthy habits occur while we are sleeping and while we are unable to control them.
Statistics show that around one in four people who visit the dentist suffer from bruxism. Bruxism is a sleep disorder and is the technical term for teeth grinding. While those who suffer from bruxism may not be responsible for the damage that teeth grinding does, they are responsible for seeking treatment for this disorder. At Carolina Dental Center, we provide treatment with our nightguards.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the term for either teeth clenching or teeth grinding. This disorder occurs at night when the patient is sleeping. Usually, the patient will wake up with a headache and soreness in the temples or jaw joints.
Several things can cause bruxism such as:
- Misaligned bite
- Poorly fitting dental restorations such as crowns or fillings
- Missing teeth
When left untreated, bruxism can be extremely harmful to your smile. The following are some of the consequences of untreated bruxism:
- Constant headaches
- Fractured, loosened or broken teeth
- Loss of teeth
- Damage to the jawbone
- Loss of hearing
- TMJ Disorder
- Distorted facial appearance
There are several ways to stop teeth grinding including stress counseling, avoiding caffeine or alcohol or placing a warm compress over your cheek during sleep. At Carolina Dental Center, we offer nightguards in Murrells Inlet, SC to wear at night that allow the jaw to relax and prevent teeth grinding.
What are Nightguards?
Nightguards are small appliances that are placed over certain teeth to prevent teeth from grinding.
These small appliances protect teeth and joints and help relax muscle contractions up to 70 percent. This effectively stops teeth from grinding. It can also relieve morning headaches and even migraines by decreasing the intensity of grinding and clenching at night. The nightguards are designed to be small enough to not cause gagging. They are not bulky and are custom made to fit the grooves of your oral structures.
If you suffer from bruxism, do not hesitate to seek treatment. At Carolina Dental Center, we offer nightguards to stop teeth grinding during sleep. For more information on this appliance or to schedule your appointment to get your nightguard, visit our office or call us today at (843) 357-2122.
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