Dentists in Saddleworth effectively deal with potentially damaging cases of teeth grinding
Problems with sleep can range from snoring to sleep apnea to outright insomnia. Another common problem that is less well known is that of when patients grind their teeth during their sleep. It is less well known because many patients don’t even know they are doing it until it becomes apparent through the effects it is having on their teeth.
Dental professionals call it bruxism and it is the act of grinding your teeth together while sleeping. The consequences of this can be far from benign. The enamel which coats your teeth and protects them from the attacks of plaque is a very strong and durable substance but night after night of grinding can take its toll and leave teeth exposed to cavity formation. The tension induced in your jaw can lead to disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and this can cause aching in the neck, shoulders and cheeks.
Many patients who suffer from bruxism are experiencing it because of stress in their every day lives. The stress is not something that dentists can help with, but they can make a mouth guard to be worn. This will be similar to the oral devices worn by player of rugby and hockey only it will be there to take the impact off nocturnal teeth grinding.
Alternatively, it might be that your teeth are misaligned and this is what is causing the teeth grinding when you are fast asleep. In this case, your dentist might decide that it is prudent to fit you with a brace so that your teeth are moved into a position that will not impel them to grind against one another.
By going to see your Saddleworth dentist every six months you are giving yourself the best chance of having things like bruxism diagnosed.
