Do you find yourself waking up with headaches, jaw pain, or sore teeth? You might be suffering from bruxism, or teeth grinding—a condition that can take a serious toll on your oral health. At Create A Smile, PC in Bloomington, IN, Dr. Ken Moore and Dr. Elena Wiser are here to help patients in Bloomington, Bedford, and Ellettsville find relief while protecting their smiles.
Below, we’ll explore how teeth grinding impacts your oral health and discuss how a custom mouthpiece can effectively manage bruxism and improve your quality of life.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding or clenching, which often occurs involuntarily or during sleep. While occasional clenching may not be harmful, chronic bruxism can lead to significant oral health issues.
This condition often stems from stress, anxiety, or an abnormal bite but can also be linked to sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea. Many people with bruxism are completely unaware of the problem, as it tends to happen at night.
How Teeth Grinding Affects Your Oral Health
Over time, bruxism can lead to a variety of oral health complications that may require professional intervention, including the following:
1. Tooth Damage
Grinding places excessive pressure on your teeth, which can lead to enamel erosion, chipped teeth, and even fractures. Teeth that have been worn down may also become shorter, making it harder to chew properly and leaving you vulnerable to further oral health issues.
2. Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders
Chronic teeth grinding is a known contributor to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The TMJs are the hinge-like joints connecting your jaw to your skull, and excessive grinding can strain these joints. This can result in jaw pain, facial discomfort, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth.
3. Gum Recession and Tooth Sensitivity
Excess pressure from grinding can cause your gums to recede, exposing more sensitive areas of your teeth. This often leads to discomfort when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth.
4. Headaches and Sleep Disruptions
Teeth grinding doesn’t just affect your mouth; it can lead to tension headaches and poor quality of sleep. If your partner has noticed unusual grinding or clenching noises at night, it may be time to take action.
How a Custom Mouthpiece Can Help
If you’re struggling with bruxism, the good news is that relief is within reach. At Create A Smile, PC, Dr. Ken Moore and Dr. Elena Wiser can provide you with a custom-made mouthpiece designed specifically to combat the effects of teeth grinding. Here’s how:
- Protects Your Teeth
Custom mouthguards act as a physical barrier between your teeth, absorbing the pressure caused by grinding and preventing damage to your enamel.
- Reduces Jaw Tension
By properly aligning your jaw, a mouthguard can effectively alleviate strain on the TMJs and reduce pain associated with bruxism.
- Improves Sleep Quality
Custom mouthpieces can help promote better airflow if your bruxism is related to a sleep disorder. This leads to more restful sleep and improved overall health.
At Create A Smile, PC, we tailor each mouthpiece to the unique needs of our patients to maximize comfort and effectiveness.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Smile
If teeth grinding is disrupting your life, don’t wait to seek help. Dr. Ken Moore and Dr. Elena Wiser proudly serve patients in Bloomington, Bedford, and Ellettsville with solutions that protect and restore smiles.
Contact Create A Smile, PC today to schedule a consultation and learn how a custom mouthpiece can make all the difference for your oral health. Don’t let bruxism control your smile—take charge and preserve it for years to come!
CONTACT CREATE A SMILE, PC – DR. KEN MOORE:
812-332-1405
LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):
2815 NORTH WALNUT
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA
47404
