Bruxism is the involuntary or habitual action of clenching and grinding teeth.
A nightguard is a custom fitted appliance made by your dentist. It protects your teeth from the side forces caused by clenching and grinding at night time. Without proper nightguard treatment, over time bruxism can cause significant damage to your teeth, jaws and muscles. Often one may not know they are grinding because it occurs during sleep. Nightguards do not always eliminate the habit of clenching and grinding, but it protects your teeth from the effects. Essentially the nightguard wears down instead of your teeth, muscles and supporting structures.
Signs of grinding in the mouth include:
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Flat spots or concavities
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Short teeth
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Sensitive teeth
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Gum recession
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Cracked or broken teeth
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Muscle tenderness in the facial/jaw muscles
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Headaches
Causes of bruxism are not always known. However, stress and anxiety are common triggers. A misaligned bite or missing teeth may be other reasons. If you have one or many of these symptoms, it is strongly advised to make an appointment with a dentist.