Stop Teeth Grinding With a Custom Mouthguard in Decatur
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a habit you may not even know you have, since it often happens at night while you’re sleeping. However, it can affect both your dental health and your overall health. While it’s often a serious problem, the fix may be as simple as a custom-made mouthguard you wear at night to prevent grinding.
TMJ Treatment / Teeth Grinding by Dr. Charles F. Betts
Read Transcript Grinding and clenching teeth is rampant in our society — I guess because of the stressful lives that we lead. We see quite a few people who have these destructive habits with their jaws and their teeth. We treat a lot with night guards, some measures to help them relax the muscles of their jaws, and provide comfort with their bite.
The result, sometimes, of clenching/grinding teeth is actually the breakdown of the dentition. The breakdown of the teeth: cracking, chipping, that sort of thing. It can even make the supporting structures of the teeth break down. The gums. The bone. It's very important to get this under control and that is our goal for you.
Decatur, AL dentist Dr. Charles Betts can take impressions of your teeth and other measurements to create a custom mouthguard for you. The mouthguard will:
- Protect your teeth from dental damage like chipped or worn enamel or even cracked teeth
- Fit more precisely and comfortably than a store-bought mouthguard
- Relieve pressure on your jaw that may contribute to a TMJ disorder (TMD)
- Alleviate painful TMD symptoms like headaches and earaches
- Help you get a more restful night’s sleep
To talk to Dr. Betts about TMJ Treatment, teeth grinding or jaw pain, call 256-274-8680.
Teeth Grinding Can Contribute to TMJ Pain
A TMJ disorder involves your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect your jaw to your skull. If the joints become dislocated, inflamed, or otherwise stressed, it can cause jaw pain and other symptoms like chronic headaches. While no one knows exactly what causes TMJ disorders, teeth grinding appears to be a contributing factor.
If grinding is bad enough, it can damage not only your teeth but your gums and underlying bone structure. Because of this, Dr. Betts looks for signs of grinding during every dental exam. If he finds any, he’ll likely recommend a mouthguard. It works by protecting your teeth and keeping pressure off your jaw. If your teeth are already damaged, he can repair them with restorative dentistry.
Do You Have TMJ Disorder Symptoms?
How do you know if you have TMJ disorder? Symptoms include:
- Facial swelling
- Frequent headaches
- Difficulty opening your jaw
- Clicking sound when you open or close your jaw
- Jaw pain
- Locking of your jaw
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
To find out more about TMJ treatment , teeth grinding and jaw pain solutions, call 256-274-8680 or use our online form. Our Decatur, AL office is a short drive from Wilson-Morgan Park.