Have you ever woken with a saw jaw or felt a dull headache during the morning? Does your face sometimes ache, and it’s not from smiling too much? You may be one of the millions of Americans who clench or grind their teeth at night. The good news is Lovett Dental Upper Kirby has an easy solution to your problem: a nightguard.

Bruxism – What is it?womans shows an example of nightguards to treat bruxism

If you have ever heard anyone grind their teeth at night, you will be familiar with the excruciating sound it makes. The force of grinding teeth can be up to 200 pounds per square inch: 10 times the chewing food pressure. That can cause major issues and is known as Bruxism.

What Causes Bruxism?

Our dentists at Lovett Dental Upper Kirby have noticed an increase in stress-related dental issues recently. This is part of a nationwide trend, and it is contributing to bruxism. Teeth grinding can be caused by the following factors:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Sleep disorders
  • An abnormal bite
  • Missing or crooked teeth
  • Temporomandibular joints (known as TMJ) disease
  • Smoking or alcohol consumption

However, studies indicate that stress is the main reason for 50% to 75% of patients to seek medical advice is the main factor.

Symptoms

As life increases in intensity and continues to speed up, our daily stress builds. These stresses can be exposed in many ways, of which one is teeth grinding. Incorporated into a visit to Lovett Dental, we thoroughly check for signs of TMJ and Bruxism, regularly recommending nightguards to our patients.

Other than worn down teeth and a grumpy partner, other issues caused by teeth grinding can include:

If you have any or all of these symptoms, then reach out to us at Lovett Dental Upper Kirby at 713-490-8888 to arrange a check-up.

Teeth Grinding in Children

Bruxism is not reserved just for adults, children also suffer. However, due to their constantly changing and growing mouths, it is not usually a habit that needs serious attention. Most kids outgrow the habit by the age of adolescence. Another difference between children and adults is the root cause of grinding. Whereas an adult’s predominant cause is stress, grinding in children is often used by the following:

  • Allergies
  • Irritation in the mouth
  • Misaligned teeth

If you have concerns about your child, book an appointment to see one of our pediatric dentists. We can discuss possible causes and develop a strategy to combat the issue. Nightguards are also available for children if required.

What’s the Solution?

Answering this question is not as simple as you think. Nightguards are an easy way to protect your teeth and jaw; however, there are many activities you can do to try alleviating the root cause. If your Bruxism is caused by stress, here are some suggestions offered by our dentists:

  • Reduce tension (maybe a vacation)
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Excercise
  • Yoga
  • Avoid consuming stimulants before bedtime
  • Muscle relaxant medication

Ask us to discuss the best solution for your lifestyle on your next visit.

How Can Nightguards Help You?

This small but powerful piece within a dentist’s tool kit is extremely effective in the fit against teeth grinding. Nightguards are worn on the upper teeth while you sleep. They are molded to your jaw for a secure fit and help remove the pressure between the teeth. This will stop your teeth from touching, acting as a barrier and cushion for your jaw.

If all you have read sounds like something you or someone you know can relate to, don’t wait another minute. Contact Lovett Dental Upper Kirby at 713-490-8888, or contact us online to book an appointment today.