What can be done about grinding and clenching of the teeth at night?

Have you visited the dentist for an evaluation and been asked about clenching and grinding of the teeth? Do you notice that you have excessive wear on the teeth? Do you find that many restorations, such as crowns and veneers, need replacement regularly due to unexplained damage? If this sounds like you, you may be struggling with a condition known as bruxism. At Acton Dental Associates of Acton, Massachusetts, you can learn about the benefits of curbing unwanted clenching and grinding of the teeth with oral appliance therapy.

What is bruxism?

Our team describes bruxism as the unintentional clenching and grinding of the jaw and teeth. The condition is most commonly caused by high stress levels and can be difficult to detect until the teeth have already suffered damage.

Common signs of bruxism include:

  • Common signs of bruxism include:
  • Common signs of bruxism include:
  • Unusual noises coming from your jaw joint while chewing or speaking
  • Jaw pain, soreness, and tightness

Our team at Acton Dental Associates will often evaluate patients and ask questions about their oral health and any coinciding conditions that can contribute to teeth clenching and grinding. Then, our team may suggest using a dental nightguard to protect the smile and alleviate tension and pain.

Lower Nightguard

Will a nightguard help?

Nightguards are designed to fit comfortably in the mouth on the upper and lower teeth to reduce the risk of unwanted dental damage caused by clenching or grinding. They can also minimize jaw pain and headaches associated with bruxism. Our team at Acton Dental Associates works closely with you to ensure that the oral appliance is custom-fitted for your mouth, offering a way to protect the teeth from damage that can occur with this and other similar conditions, including temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD.

Nightguards for bruxism near me

Patients diagnosed with bruxism are strongly encouraged to speak to our professional team to learn more about treatment using nightguards to reduce the damage and discomfort associated with clenching and grinding.

Call Acton Dental Associates of Acton, MA, today at (978) 881-5826 to request a consultation visit with our staff to discuss your options. Our office is open to new and returning patients.