Oral Appliances To Ease Teeth Grinding

The medical term for teeth grinding is bruxism. Teeth grinding is generally something that occurs during the night when you are asleep. It is not uncommon for someone to wake up in the morning with facial pain as a result of grinding of the teeth all night. Grinding your teeth may simply be an annoying habit. However, teeth grinding may also be linked to a more serious problem including sleep apnea. You can receive sleep apnea treatment at our Hollywood, FL clinic from Dr. Blake Parker and Dr. Stephen Parker at Parker Dentistry Facial Rejuvenation and Wellness.

Teeth grinding needs to be addressed before it has the opportunity to cause pain and negatively affects your ability to bite. If you suspect that you are grinding your teeth when sleeping, it should be discussed with your dentist as soon as possible. Prompt treatment of teeth grinding may prevent the following symptoms from occurring:

  1. Wearing of the teeth
  2. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders 
  3. An improper bite leads to painful chewing of food
  4. Receding gums
  5. Chipped or broken teeth
  6. Facial pain
  7. Headaches/migraines
  8. Interrupted sleep

Teeth grinding may be an indication of sleep apnea. Discuss teeth grinding with your Hollywood, FL dentists in case you require sleep apnea treatment.

Oral Appliances to Ease Teeth Grinding

Several options exist that can help to ease teeth grinding. Your sleep apnea treatment specialist in Hollywood, FL can explain the different options available to you so that you can make the best choice of an oral appliance to address teeth grinding.

The simplest option involves a nightguard to be worn when you are asleep. You can purchase this device at any pharmacy. Many of these nightguards are referred to as 'boil and bite' nightguards. These appliances are boiled until they become flexible. They can then be molded into your mouth and as it cools it will harden into that shape of your bite. Nightguards also exist that can be worn as is and do not require the step of boiling.

With more serious issues, you may choose to have your dentist make a custom nightguard. With a custom nightguard, a mold of your teeth will be used to construct one that will be a better fit than a do-it-yourself nightguard. Another option that may be recommended is wearing a dental splint at night, called an occlusal splint. This appliance will aid in the relaxation of the muscles of the jaw, reposition it, and protect from teeth grinding. 

It is critical to schedule regular dental checkups. This is so that your dentist can monitor the health of your teeth and gums. Doing so will allow our dentists and sleep apnea treatment specialists in our Hollywood, FL clinic to determine if you may require treatment. Contact the office of Dr. Blake Parker and Dr. Stephen Parker of Parker Dentistry Facial Rejuvenation and Wellness by calling (954) 983-5450.

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Cosmetic Dentist in Hollywood, FL

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