Night Guards for Teeth Grinding

Night guards are placed in the mouth to act as a “cushion” during sleep to prevent someone from grinding or gnashing their teeth together. Some people actually do this during the day as well. Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, damages enamel, wears down teeth, causes jaw pain, and irritates gums. If you think you are grinding your teeth, we at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park can help.

Severe teeth grinding can lead to tension-type headaches and disorders in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), where a clicking noise is heard when you open and close your mouth. Teeth grinding has also been seen in quite a few children. According to WebMD, “approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth.” The first step to preventing teeth grinding is to determine what is causing it. Sometimes a night guard or change in lifestyle is all you need to prevent it.

There are several factors that increase the chances of grinding your teeth:

- Stress and anxiety

- Age (though common in children, bruxism goes away by adulthood)

- Aggressive or competitive personality type

- Psychiatric medications

- Smoking tobacco

- Consuming caffeine or alcohol

- Family history of teeth grinding

- Other disorders such as Parkinson's, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), epilepsy, night terrors, sleep apnea, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Bayberry Dental Care is located on 8014 W 171st St. in Tinley Park, IL 60477. For more information about night guards or to schedule an appointment, please visit bayberrydentalcare.com or call 708-802-8300.

 

Bruxism Basics

Grinding of your teeth, also known as bruxism can have a variety of causes. Some experts view bruxism as nothing more than a habit. It can also be a result of the body’s reaction when the teeth do not line up or come together properly. Some people grind their teeth only during sleep. This is called “nocturnal bruxism” or “sleep-related bruxism.” Others grind or clench their teeth during the daytime as well. If you experience signs and symptoms of bruxism, Dr. Kathleen Falsey at Bayberry Dental Care can develop an individualized treatment plan for you.

When diagnosing bruxism, Dr. Kathleen Falsey will ask about your general dental health, what sources of stress you have in your life, and what medicines you take. She will then examine you, paying special attention to the muscles in and around your jaw. Additionally, Dr. Falsey may look at your teeth for evidence of grinding as well as check for tenderness in your jaw muscles and the jaw joint.

If you catch yourself grinding or clenching your teeth, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.bayberrydentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS in our Tinley Park, IL office, call Bayberry Dental Care at 708-802-8300.