Nightguards and Appliances in Chico, CA
Millions of Americans clench and grind their teeth. This condition is called bruxism and it can lead to painful symptoms and numerous dental problems. Fortunately, treatment options are available. Nightguards can relieve your discomfort and help protect your dentistry.
What Causes Bruxism?
Many factors can contribute to bruxism. At South Chico Dental Care, we often see bruxism caused by teeth that don’t come together properly. This is known as poor occlusion. Other common factors include stress and the use of tobacco and alcohol.
The Symptoms of Bruxism
Symptoms can vary from person to person. However, bruxism makes most people uncomfortable and can seriously damage teeth.
These are the most common symptoms associated with bruxism:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Jaw pain
- Temporomandibular joint disorder
- Sensitive teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Premature erosion
- Gum recession
- Notching in the teeth
- Facial fatigue
- Sleep disruption
Many people tend to clench and grind their teeth at night. They may not even be aware that they have a problem! They may, however, recognize that their face hurts when they wake up or that their teeth are sensitive. They may also feel tired throughout the day.
Treating Bruxism in Chico, CA
At South Chico Dental Care, we’ve successfully treated many bruxism cases ranging from mild to severe. Oral appliances that are worn at night hold your teeth apart. This relieves the pressure and strain on your facial muscles as well as prevents your teeth from coming into contact with each other.
We design nightguards for your mouth so that they fit well and don’t interfere with your breathing. Most patients get used to wearing an oral appliance quickly. Once you begin using a nightguard, your symptoms should diminish within a couple of weeks.
You will need to bring your nightguard with you to our office during your regular examinations. This allows us to check your nightguard for damage and make sure that it’s still protecting your teeth. If needed, we can make minor adjustments.
Contact Our 95928 Dentist Office Today
Protecting your teeth from the damage caused by clenching and grinding helps prevent more serious problems. Nightguards are a conservative option that can help you avoid more invasive treatments. If you suspect that you might be grinding or clenching your teeth, please contact South Chico Dental Care today to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Daniel Surh.
