We know the ways dentists help us protect our teeth against infection and decay. But have you ever stopped to consider that, even if you’re doing everything right during the day, a problem like night grinding (also known as bruxism) could be causing you oral issues without you even realizing what you’re doing? This can be quite unpleasant, to say the least.
Fortunately, dentists can help with this problem as well by offering a solution, such as a night guard. It can be challenging to determine if you need to wear a night guard while sleeping, so be sure to check for these six signs that this simple medical device will benefit you.
At Downtown Dental Studio, we take all types of oral health treatments seriously. Fadi Beydoun, DMD, MS, Alexander Kimon, DMD, and Karina Zaygermakher, DMD, will gladly advise you on whether you should consider wearing a night guard during your next appointment with us.
Consider whether you may already be aware that this is a problem for you. Some people realize they’re grinding or clenching their teeth while they slumber and don’t know what to do about it — or even that it causes problems. However, the truth is that night grinding is prevalent, affecting between 22.1% and 30% of the population. And it does, in fact, cause problems.
If you’ve already noticed — or a loved one has mentioned to you — that you grind your teeth while you sleep, it could really benefit you to get a night guard. A clinic like ours can help you determine which type will best suit your situation. But what if you don’t know if you’re grinding at night?
We usually chalk tooth pain up to infection, decay, and other oral health issues. But what if the dentist says your teeth look fine, but they still hurt? You may also experience pain when eating or drinking something cold or hot. If this is the case, it’s probably time to consider whether you might be grinding your teeth.
Night grinding can harm the teeth and jaw, making them weak or exhausted, which is what causes pain. And, if this continues for too long, it could compromise the health of your teeth. Night guards protect your teeth from grinding against each other while you sleep, which helps minimize this issue.
Waking up with a headache is no picnic, and it can be especially frustrating if it happens repeatedly. You may wonder why this occurs. If you experience some of the other symptoms, you are likely grinding. A night guard will also ensure you no longer wake up with an unexplained headache.
If you’re experiencing pain in your teeth and jaw, it might make chewing difficult, even painful. When you notice that chewing has become a real chore, especially if there are no other oral health issues affecting you, it’s very likely that you’re grinding and will need a night guard to solve this problem.
A hearing problem can be scary, especially if you’re not sure what could be causing it. However, if you suspect nighttime grinding, it's best to consult your dental provider about the issue. Sometimes, people forget that the mouth, ears, nose, and throat are all interconnected, but this can be a simple solution to a daunting problem.
Temporomandibular joint disorder often occurs with advanced cases of night grinding. It can cause several issues for the ears, jaw, and facial muscles. Although a night guard may not fix everything, it can be a helpful part of a comprehensive long-term treatment program.
Night guards are affordable, easy to use, and come in a variety of types, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. We're happy to discuss the option with you, as well as next steps, such as how to care for your night guard, when to have it replaced, and more.
To make an appointment at our New York City, NY, office in the Financial District, call us at 212-964-3337. You can also book online at your convenience.
