
What Causes Bruxism?
People with bruxism grind their teeth and clench their jaws for various reasons. Stress is one. But things like anxiety, mouth injuries, gum disease, or sleep problems can also contribute to it. What causes bruxism is not always clear, so it can be tricky to figure out how to treat it. That is why talking to your dentist is an essential first step in dealing with any teeth grinding issues you might have. The dentist will want to do some tests and take X-rays before determining if there is a problem and which kind of treatment might be right for you.
How Do I Know if I Have Bruxism?
If you find yourself waking up in pain and with sore or swollen gums, you might have bruxism. This is a condition that affects more than three million Americans, according to recent studies. More than 80 percent of those affected are not even aware they have a problem. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to further dental problems and interfere with your daily life, making it difficult to speak clearly or eat properly. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with our office right away so you can get started on treatment immediately. Your mouthguard should be worn at night only. There is no need for protection during waking hours as long as you are not grinding your teeth.
How to Properly Care for Your Night Guard
Your dentist can help you properly care for your night guard. Daily brushing is especially important because your mouth tends to produce more plaque at night. You will also want to have regular dental visits twice a year for professional teeth cleanings and evaluation of your mouthguard. If we notice excessive wear on your guard, we can replace it with a new custom-made night guard so that you cam continue to protect your jaw and teeth at night while you sleep. This will ensure long-lasting treatment against bruxism problems and sleep apnea, as well as protection against bacteria that may be present in your mouthguard.
When Should I Expect Results When Using A Night Mouthguard?
If you are using a nightguard to treat bruxism, it can take several weeks before you begin to see results. To ensure that your results are as quick and efficient as possible, you should try wearing your night guard for at least six to hours every day. This is basically the number of hours you sleep.
For more information about night mouthguards and bruxism, visit Robert H. Peterson DDS. Contact us at 503-635-3438 to address your concerns.