Getting Treated for Bruxism

Posted on: 15 September 2022

Does your partner complain about the noise made from your teeth grinding while you are asleep at night? If you have no idea what they are talking about because you never remember grinding your teeth, and it does not happen during the day, the culprit might be bruxism. Although teeth grinding can happen during the day, it is a condition that often surfaces while someone is asleep. If you are having dental problems, it might be due to teeth grinding from bruxism. If you are suffering from bruxism, visit a dentist for treatment as soon as possible because you can end up with severe enamel damage and other dental problems.

What Causes Someone to Develop Bruxism?

Everyone who has teeth can develop bruxism at some point in their life. However, there are certain things that might make some at a higher risk for developing the condition. For example, if someone is experiencing a substantial amount of stress, their response to the situation might be teeth grinding. Going to a job interview and speaking in front of a large crowd are good examples of stressful situations that might cause teeth grinding. Long-term stress might be the cause of long-term bruxism, which causes teeth grinding on a nightly basis.

How Can a Dentist Treat Bruxism?

The most common treatment method for bruxism is for a patient to wear a night guard. The reason is that mouthguards prevent the top set of teeth from touching the bottom set of teeth. You can purchase a mouthguard without visiting a dentist, but a general guard might not fit properly. A dentist will take a mold of your teeth to make a custom guard that fits perfectly. The guard is usually worn on the upper set of teeth, but a guard can be worn on the lower set as well.

When Should a Mouthguard Be Replaced?

There is no specific timeframe for replacing a mouthguard that is worn for treating bruxism. The severity of your teeth grinding will play a role in how long the guard lasts before a new guard is needed. The thickness of the guard will also play a role in durability, as a thick guard will last longer than one that is thin. However, a thin guard might be the most comfortable to wear while you are asleep at night. A dentist will ensure that your guard is customized in a way that is comfortable.

To learn more about dental night guards, contact a dentist in your area.

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