What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition that can disturb your sleep at night and negatively affect your teeth’ health. If you’re affected by bruxism, taking steps to protect your teeth is important.

Yourdentist in Reseda, CA, can help. At Canby Dental, we provide our patients with the tools they need to protect their teeth. We also treat teeth damaged by bruxism. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition that causes you to grind or clench your teeth unconsciously. You may do this while you’re awake or while you’re asleep. Bruxism, which happens while you’re sleeping, is a disorder that can cause damage to your teeth if you do it enough.

How Can You Tell If You Grind Your Teeth At Night?

You may not know that you grind your teeth at night because it happens while you’re sleeping. If you have a partner in bed with you, they may hear you grinding your teeth.

Even if your partner is unaware that you grind your teeth at night, your dentist will likely notice the effects of grinding your teeth, especially if you do it frequently. Signs that you grind your teeth at night include:

• Teeth are ground down or flattened
• Lower layers of the tooth are exposed
• Teeth have cracks in them
• Teeth are chipped or loose

You may also notice some symptoms of tooth grinding when you wake up. Your jaw may ache, or you may have a headache.

How Can Bruxism Damage Your Teeth?

Over time, bruxism can cause your permanent teeth to become loose. You may also chip or crack your teeth, necessitating repairs like root canals, crowns, etc. However, it’s important to protect your teeth from the effects of bruxism, or your tooth repairs (like crowns) will eventually break or fail.

How Can You Protect Your Teeth From Bruxism?

Wearing a mouth guard at night can protect your teeth from bruxism. While mouthguards are available at pharmacies, it’s best to get a customized one. Talk to your dentist at Canby Dental to learn more about getting a mouth guard that can protect your teeth.

Does bruxism damage your teeth? Start with adental exam in Reseda, CA. Call today to learn more.