205.621.3100We all have times in our life when we grind our teeth together. The more technical term for this condition is bruxism, and often it goes away before it causes anything discomforting. However, some of us unconsciously grind our teeth at night.
There can be any number of causes for this. You could be feeling stressed, and that feeling manifests itself through this condition. It could also be caused by crooked or missing teeth and misalignments of your bite.
If you have nocturnal bruxism, you may notice some stiffness or soreness in your jaw. Your teeth may feel discomfort or feel sensitive. If you also notice that your teeth look smaller or flatter than they once did, this may be a sign that bruxism has persisted for a while.
If you do notice any of these signs, quickly get to the dentist. If you let it go untreated, you could wear down or fracture your teeth. The dentist can help you prevent this from happening.
One way he can help you is by providing a night guard. It can cushion your teeth while you sleep and keep them from coming into contact. You can prevent further discomfort and any potential damage that bruxism may cause. We can provide you with a custom-made night guard so it fits your teeth more perfectly.
If you would like to try a night guard or simply need help with your teeth, come see our dentist, Dr. Stacey DeFranco. You can find him here at Helena Family Dentistry in Helena, Alabama. To schedule a visit, call 205-621-3100.
