Did you know that most people don’t even realize that they need a night guard for teeth grinding? It’s often not until they develop jaw pain and other symptoms that they receive a proper diagnosis from their dentist. For this reason, it’s important that you continue to see our dentists in Ann Arbor, and Plymouth, MI. That way, they can detect bruxism early and prevent further damage to your smile.
Here are the top 10 signs you need a night guard for teeth grinding.
1. Jaw Pain
Do you often wake up with jaw pain? This is one of the classic and needs to be addressed during your next appointment with us. One of our dentists will evaluate your smile to determine if you exhibit other and will recommend next steps to protect your oral health.
2. Tooth Sensitivity
Do you cringe while sipping your morning coffee? Does ice cream make you wince? If so, it’s important that you pinpoint the cause of your tooth sensitivity. Most people experience tooth sensitivity to cold and heat once they lose enamel. However, tooth sensitivity may also be triggered by cavities, gum disease, and other issues.
3. Toothaches
Pay attention to where you’re experiencing pain. Does only one tooth hurt? Or are multiple teeth in your mouth hurting? If you answer the latter, you’re most likely grinding your teeth at night and your teeth are letting you know that they don’t appreciate it.
4. Headaches
There’s nothing more disruptive than a headache that won’t go away. While the occasional headache is usually nothing to worry about, it’s worth a discussion with your dentist if you notice a sharp increase in headaches. Likewise, be sure to mention to your dentist if you start experiencing migraines. They may recommend that you start wearing a custom night guard to relieve your symptoms.
5. Ear Pain
Ear pain may seem like a strange symptom for teeth grinding. However, it’s important to remember that the human body is made of interconnected systems. This means that teeth grinding can sometimes cause pain in the teeth, jaws, temporomandibular joints, and around the ears.
6. Unexplained Chips or Cracks
Do you have a chip or crack in your tooth that you can’t explain? If you don’t remember getting bumped in the mouth, it’s possible that any chips or cracks could be due to bruxism. A night guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, safeguarding it from future damage.
7. Enamel Loss
Take a good look at your teeth. Do you notice any worn enamel? Do the edges of your teeth seem a little rounded? If so, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night and not even know it. If left untreated, you’ll lose more enamel over time and develop other symptoms.
8. Teeth Squeaking
Does your partner complain about your teeth squeaking at night? If so, there’s a good chance you’re grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep. Teeth tend to squeak when you exert an enormous amount of pressure on them. The good news is that a custom bruxism guard will both protect your teeth and help them stay quiet.
9. Interrupted Sleep
Do you often toss and turn in your sleep? If so, it’s possible that you’re grinding or clenching your teeth at night. This, in turn, decreases your quality of sleep and can make you feel tired in the morning.
10. Worn Dental Restorations
Teeth grinding is hard on crowns, veneers, and other dental restorations. If you take good care of your smile and still notice damage to your restorations, you may have bruxism. Our recommendation is to wear a custom night guard to protect your restorations and the rest of your smile.
Next Steps
Do you recognize the signs you could be grinding or clenching your teeth at night? The first step is to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations. From there, one of our dentists will evaluate your smile to see if there’s any current damage to your smile such as chips or cracks. Once any potential damage is addressed, we’ll take impressions of your teeth and create a custom night guard to protect your smile.
Book a Consultation for Teeth Grinding
Our dentists in Plymouth, Ann Arbor, MI, are accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, please call one of our convenient Morse Dental Group locations. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.