Do you wake up in Decatur, GA, with persistent morning headaches? Do you notice strange scalloping on your tongue or hairline fractures on your teeth? The culprit behind these issues might be bruxism, commonly known as unconscious clenching and grinding. But fret not, we have the solution you need—a nightguard.
Understanding the Nightguard: Your Dental Defender
Similar to a sports mouthguard, a nightguard serves as a protective shield for your teeth, preventing painful damage caused by teeth grinding during sleep. Portable, comfortable, and easy to wear, our patients at Metro Decatur Dental Group PC love the relief and peace of mind they experience with their nightguards.
Recognizing the Signs of Tooth Grinding and Clenching
While experiencing these symptoms doesn’t definitively indicate nighttime bruxism, they serve as valuable clues. If you observe any of the following signs, consider reaching out to our Decatur dental office:
- Worn, chipped, or broken teeth
- Flattened tooth surfaces
- Tooth sensitivity due to enamel loss
- Jaw pain and facial discomfort
- Headaches and facial pain
- Earache caused by jaw muscle tension
- Scalloped or irregular tongue edges
- Damaged mouth tissue
Furthermore, bruxism can lead to micro-fractures and gum line sensitivity, and even contribute to chronic headaches and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Unveiling the Root Causes of Teeth Grinding
Determining the exact cause of teeth grinding can be challenging. It may arise from past accidents, chronic stress, medical conditions like sleep apnea, or dental issues such as poorly balanced dental work or missing teeth. Regardless of the cause, grinding and clenching can lead to a host of dental problems, including painful TMJ disorders and arthritis in the temporomandibular joints.
Embrace Our Support
At Metro Decatur Dental Group PC, we are dedicated to helping you protect your teeth and achieve restful nights of sleep. Our team of experts can custom-make a nightguard appliance tailored to your specific needs, significantly reducing dental damage and safeguarding your dental investments. If you suspect nighttime teeth grinding, don’t hesitate to contact us today!