Protecting your Teeth While you Sleep

We all know that protecting our teeth is incredibly important. Flossing, brushing and avoiding excess sugary foods and drink are all part of a daily routine to keep our teeth in the best condition possible. But in case you weren’t aware, there are moments when we are not protecting our teeth against damage; this occurs when we are sleeping.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the act of grinding or clenching your teeth, even without realising that this is happening. The most common causes are stressful situations, feeling anxious, poor bite or teeth alignment. However, for some people bruxism only occurs during the day. Some people actually grind their teeth while they sleep, a condition better known as ‘nocturnal bruxism’.

The damage that can be caused by bruxism can be serious; dental fillings can be fractured as well as damage to your actual teeth can occur. It is also believed that severe bruxism can cause TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), facial pain and morning headaches.

How do you know?

If you have any concerns about nocturnal bruxism, you can visit a dental surgery Bundaberg. But before you get to the dentist there are a few things that might help you. Do you share your bed with a partner? If they have complained that you are grinding your teeth at night this is a sure sign you are a ‘bruxer’ but other symptoms may be waking with a headache, pain in your face, a saw jaw in the morning and rhythmic jaw contractions.

What can you do?

Visiting a professional dentist such as Michael Frey Dental will allow you to discuss any possible current stresses in life that could be causing the issue. It might also be caused from the consumption of beverages such as coffee or alcohol, which could increase the tendency to grind your teeth.

A full examination will be carried out to ascertain if the alignment of your bite and teeth is correct, to check for damage and to establish whether or not you do have nocturnal bruxism and if the cause is related to lifestyle or alignment, which the dentist can correct.

If you do in fact have nocturnal bruxism then the appropriate steps will need to be taken to reduce this issue; however, in the meantime, Michael Frey Dental can fit you with a customised mouth guard to wear when you sleep, which will prevent further damage.

If you want to protect your teeth while you sleep from the damaging effects of bruxism, contact Michael Frey Dental for a mouthguard. Visit them online at www.michaelfreydental.com.au to make an appointment today.

http://www.michaelfreydental.com.au