If you experience sore jaws, chronic headaches, and sensitive teeth, you could suffer from bruxism¸ or teeth grinding. Daytime grinding most frequently stems from feelings of stress and anxiety. Nighttime teeth grinding, on the other hand, has more varied causes and is more likely to go unnoticed. While stress can lead to grinding your teeth while asleep, we also attribute nocturnal bruxism to taking certain prescription medications, a misaligned bite, sleep disorders, substance abuse, or disorders of the temporomandibular joint, also known as TMDs. Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz offers help for patients who struggle with teeth grinding in Astoria, NY.
How Do Mouthguards Protect Teeth From Bruxism?
If you grind your teeth and clench your jaw during sleep, Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz will create a custom-fitted mouthguard for you to wear at night. This special mouthguard, which closely resembles the mouthguard that an athlete would wear, fits closely over the teeth and does not interfere with breathing or sleeping. Many drugstores sell one-size-fits-all nightguards, but these appliances do not offer the same comfort and fit as a customized mouthguard from Dr. Leibowitz. A mouthguard that does not fit properly will not afford the same degree of protection against nighttime teeth grinding. After brushing and flossing in preparation for bedtime, simply slip the mouthguard over your teeth. Although you may still experience a grinding motion while sleeping, the movement will not create as much force, nor will it cause further damage to your teeth.
What If I Don’t Want to Wear a Mouthguard?
Many patients express concerns about wearing a mouthguard at night. We remind them that customized mouthguards fit more comfortably over the teeth and are less likely to slip out of place. Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz also points out that the damage inflicted upon teeth by grinding, even after only a few months, can be substantial. Consider the effects of teeth grinding on your oral health:
- Teeth become flattened and eroded, creating difficulty chewing and enjoying your favorite foods.
- Cracks and chips occur more frequently, leading to tooth sensitivity and increasing your risk of cavities.
- With less protective enamel covering your teeth, your risk of developing gum disease increases. Without treatment, periodontal disease leads to tooth and bone loss.
If you are just now seeking treatment after years of teeth grinding, our dental team provides restorative dentistry in Queens to restore the function and health of your teeth. Dental crowns and veneers rebuild damaged teeth, enabling you to speak, eat, and live without the embarrassment of worn-down or broken teeth. If you have lost teeth, Dr. Leibowitz may recommend dental implants, bridges, or dentures. As a convenience to you, we provide all of these services in our office.
Done with the daily grind? To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, or to learn more about bruxism and mouthguards, contact our Astoria, Queens dental clinic at 718-728-8320. We provide. To keep up with the latest news and events from our practice, follow us on Facebook. We serve patients living in NYC, upstate New York, and throughout New Jersey.
