When people feel stressed, they assume it causes issues like headaches, stomach trouble, and insomnia. One symptom that receives little coverage is sleep bruxism, or teeth grinding. Often, people who easily fall asleep clench and grind their teeth at night because of the pressure and tension they feel. In some cases, your bruxism may be loud enough and intense enough for your sleep partner to notice.

Because sleep bruxism happens at night, you often awaken with little memory of the incident. You may, however, have other symptoms that indicate you have been grinding your teeth, such as increased teeth sensitivity, earaches, worn down or cracked teeth, and enamel wear. Damaged teeth are more susceptible to decay, which can lead to the need for fillings, crowns, or even root canal therapy. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

The most effective way to deal with sleep bruxism is to find avenues to relieve your stress. Exercise, deep breathing, and listening to music can help reduce the negative effects of stress on your body. To help with the bruxism, your dentist can fit you for a night guard.

Made of an acrylic material, a night guard will prevent your teeth from coming together while you sleep. It also keeps you bite in the proper position and helps the muscles relax, which stops the bruxing action. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab to create your custom appliance.

Give us a call at Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry – Toronto Dental Office – Teeth Grinding Treatment