Grinding your teeth also known as bruxism, can have a negative impact on your teeth and overall health of your mouth. It can cause chips, fractures and cracks in your molars and premolars. Chronic teeth grinding can even cause alignment issues in your bite and harm the muscles in your jaw.
Children are more likely to grind their teeth than adults. This is usually a result of how fast they grow. However a child might also grind their teeth if they have undiagnosed allergy issues. Stress is the most common cause of teeth grinding in adults.
Many people complain that store bought night guards are uncomfortable. They tend to slip in your mouth and can also cause excess saliva production. These comfort issues sometimes drive people to stop wearing the night guard.
If you have a problem grinding your teeth at night you should ask your dentist about being fitted for a custom night guard. The custom night guard conforms to the natural shape of your teeth and jaw for maximum comfort and fit. The soft plastic material shields and protects your teeth while reducing the friction between biting surfaces to help relax muscle tension in the jaw.
If you have questions about a custom night guard or you would like to be fitted for one, please feel free to call us at 509.933.4800 to schedule an appointment.