Night Guard

What causes nighttime teeth grinding?

Teeth grinding, a condition called bruxism, is a common problem among both men and women. Some people grind or clench their teeth during the day, especially if they experience stress or anxiety. For many, however, teeth grinding takes place only during sleep. 

A number of things can cause nighttime teeth grinding. Some causal factors include:

• Abnormal bite
• Sleep apnea
• Missing teeth
• Crooked teeth  
• Alcohol consumption
• Caffeine
• Fatigue
• Stress and anxiety

In some cases, there is no clear cause of teeth grinding. The condition can occur for years, or only happen in short bursts of time. 

How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?

Nighttime teeth grinding can be challenging to diagnose because you may not be aware you’re experiencing the problem. Some possible indications include:

• Waking with a sore jaw
• Daytime headaches
• Fractured or chipped teeth
• Worn tooth enamel
• Pain in your face or neck
• Tight jaw muscles
• Damage to the interior of your cheek

Your sleep partner is often the first person to know if you grind your teeth at night, because the habit can create unusual sounds. 

How can a night guard help with teeth grinding?

A night guard creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This prevents the chewing surfaces of your teeth from making contact during the night. 

Night guards also reposition your jaw during sleep. This takes the pressure off the muscles that support your jaw and also stabilizes your bite. 

Smiles in Springfield offers custom night guards that are crafted to fit your unique bite. They’re comfortable to wear, although it might take a few nights to get used to the sensation of having the guard in place.

It’s important to treat teeth grinding. If the issue isn’t resolved, you can develop a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder, which can have lasting negative effects. Teeth grinding can also interfere with your sleep and prevent you from getting the rest your body needs to thrive. 

To learn more about how a custom night guard can help address nighttime teeth grinding, call the office to book an appointment. You can also schedule online from the comfort of home in just moments.