A Method for Treating Nocturnal Bruxism

Are you aware of the difficulties that come when you grind your teeth? Many of us grind our teeth on occasion, but rarely enough to cause any problems. Yet, sometimes we form a habit of grinding our teeth, and sometimes we do it unconsciously in our sleep. Such a habit is called nocturnal bruxism, and it can feel very uncomfortable, but there are ways to treat it.

First of all, why do some people get nocturnal bruxism? The cause that appears most often is stress, and it just comes out in this way for some people. There are other things that can cause it, such as missing or crooked teeth and misalignments in a person’s bite.

How can you tell if you have nocturnal bruxism? One way to tell is if you regularly wake up with stiffness or soreness in your jaw. Your teeth may also feel some discomfort or feel sensitive. If you notice any wearing on your teeth, like they are getting flatter and smaller, that is a big indicator.

You do not have to feel worried because the dentist can help you with your bruxism. Just be sure to visit her quickly, because if bruxism continues, your teeth can fracture.

So how can the dentist help you? The dentist might suggest a night guard. A night guard rests in your mouth and cushions your teeth as you sleep, stopping them from grinding. This should prevent keep your teeth nice and safe while alleviating the discomfort you may feel. If it appeals to you, we can have a night guard made especially for you for a better fit on your teeth.

If you struggle with these symptoms, come to Belmar Smiles in Lakewood, Colorado, to see if a night guard can be of service to you, or if we can do something else to treat it. Our dentist, Dr. Christina Sehy VerSchave will work to understand your needs and accommodate them. You need only call 303-935-3574 to schedule a visit.