Teeth Grinding While You Sleep? What You Need to Know About Bruxism and Nightguards
- Arcadia Medi-Dental Group
- Aug 7
- 4 min read
Do you wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or even tooth pain? You might be dealing with bruxism, or teeth grinding, a condition that affects millions of people—many of whom don’t even know they’re doing it. At Arcadia Medi-Dental Group in Arcadia, CA, we are here to help you understand the long-term effects of bruxism and the critical role that nightguards play in protecting your oral health.
Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or even a misaligned bite, bruxism can take a toll on your teeth and gums over time. In this article, we’ll talk about how to spot bruxism early, why it’s important to address it right away, and how Arcadia Medi-Dental Group offers next-day nightguards to protect your smile and relieve your symptoms.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding or jaw clenching, typically occurring during sleep (though some people grind their teeth while awake too). Often associated with stress, anxiety, or even sleep disorders, bruxism can cause a range of dental problems, including:
Tooth wear and tear: Over time, grinding can flatten and erode tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity and increased risk of cavities.
Jaw pain and headaches: Constant clenching can put pressure on your jaw muscles, leading to pain and even tension headaches.
Broken or cracked teeth: The constant force of grinding can cause your teeth to crack, chip, or become loose.
TMJ issues: Bruxism can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, causing pain in the jaw joint and difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
If you suspect you may have bruxism, it’s important to address it as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw.
How to Spot Bruxism Early
Bruxism often goes unnoticed, especially since many people grind their teeth while sleeping. However, there are several signs that can alert you to the problem early, including:
Morning jaw pain or tightness, particularly in the temples or cheeks
Headaches, especially upon waking
Worn-down, flattened, or chipped teeth
Soreness in your teeth or gums when chewing
Visible tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
Noisy grinding sounds during sleep (often noticed by a partner)
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a dental exam at Arcadia Medi-Dental Group. We can identify signs of bruxism and help you find the best solution to protect your teeth and relieve discomfort.
The Long-Term Effects of Bruxism
Left untreated, bruxism can cause significant damage to your oral health. The long-term effects include:
Tooth Enamel Erosion:
The continuous grinding of your teeth can wear down the protective enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity.
Increased Risk of Tooth Decay and Cavities:
As enamel wears away, the underlying dentin can be exposed, making your teeth more susceptible to cavities.
Gum Recession:
Bruxism can lead to gum recession, which in turn can cause root exposure, increased sensitivity, and a higher likelihood of gum disease.
TMJ and Jaw Pain:
Constant pressure from grinding can cause damage to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to difficulty opening and closing your mouth, jaw pain, and even clicking or popping sounds when you speak or chew.
Loss of Teeth:
In severe cases, grinding can lead to cracked or even broken teeth, which may eventually need to be extracted.
This is why it's so important to get help as soon as you notice any signs of bruxism. The earlier we catch it, the more effectively we can prevent these long-term effects from taking a toll on your oral health.
The Importance of Nightguards for Bruxism
A nightguard is a custom-made dental appliance designed to fit over your teeth while you sleep. It acts as a barrier, protecting your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding and clenching. At Arcadia Medi-Dental Group, we offer next-day nightguards for our patients, so you don’t have to wait weeks for relief.
Why Nightguards are Essential:
Protect your teeth: Nightguards cushion the impact of grinding, preventing enamel erosion, cracks, and chips.
Reduce jaw pain and headaches: By relieving pressure on the jaw, nightguards can reduce the pain and discomfort caused by clenching and grinding.
Prevent TMJ problems: Nightguards help alleviate pressure on the temporomandibular joint, reducing the risk of developing TMJ disorders.
Comfort and convenience: Custom nightguards are more comfortable and effective than over-the-counter options. At Arcadia Medi-Dental Group, we can create a nightguard tailored specifically to your mouth for the best fit and protection.
Why Choose Arcadia Medi-Dental Group for Your Nightguard?
At Arcadia Medi-Dental Group, we’re committed to making the treatment for bruxism as convenient and efficient as possible. We understand how disruptive bruxism can be to your sleep and overall health, which is why we offer next-day nightguards.
Here’s why you’ll love our approach:
No more waiting: We can design, fabricate, and provide your custom nightguard as soon as the next day, so you can start protecting your teeth immediately.
Personalized care: We take the time to understand your unique needs and ensure your nightguard fits comfortably.
Expert guidance: Our experienced team will help you identify signs of bruxism and recommend the best treatment options to protect your smile.
Convenience: We offer fast, efficient care with a focus on your comfort and oral health.
Don’t Wait—Protect Your Teeth Today!
If you suspect you might have bruxism or are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Contact Arcadia Medi-Dental Group today to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you find the right solutions to protect your teeth, reduce discomfort, and improve your overall oral health.
Call us at (626) 515-8090 to book your appointment!
Let us help you sleep soundly again, knowing your smile is safe and secure.
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