Teeth Grinding & Mouthguards

Wake Up Rested and Productive

Are you suffering from aches and pains in your jaw, head, neck, or shoulders when you wake up? These are indications of a condition called bruxism, or teeth grinding. These symptoms can really affect your quality of life and how much energy you have during the day. Bruxism can really affect your productivity at work, also, leaving you feeling tired throughout the day and making it difficult to concentrate. At Heart of Vinings Dentistry, we have solutions that can help you sleep better, protect your teeth, and live a more complete and happy life.

Most of the time, Dr. Patel can create a custom-made nightguard to provide effective relief from the annoying symptoms caused by bruxism. This is an effective treatment because the nightguard is made specifically to your teeth and prevents your upper and lower teeth from touching while you sleep. Since most grinding occurs during the night when you sleep, the nightguard prevents unconscious grinding, eliminating the constant pressure placed on your teeth and muscles and protecting your teeth from damage.

We'll also take the time to address the conditions that can lead to clenching and grinding. Although it's common for people to clench their teeth occasionally, particularly when they are stressed, chronic stress can create havoc with your teeth. Another common cause of bruxism is a misaligned bite. If either of these issues are behind your bruxism, we will help you find ways to manage these concerns.

Importance of Bruxism Treatment

It is important to stop grinding because the constant force you put on your teeth can substantially weaken them and cause the teeth to crack. Cracked teeth require expensive dental treatments and sometimes even extraction. Excessive grinding or clenching can also cause your gums to recede, which can lead to increased sensitivity from exposed roots.

Constant grinding also causes your facial muscles to become overworked. This puts excessive pressure on your joints in your head, leading to Temporomandibular (TMJ) Disorder. Migraine headaches are also associated with the tension from clenching and grinding.

Mouthguards

Research shows that 39% of dental injuries occur while playing sports. We highly recommend a custom mouthguard to protect you or your child while playing sports such as soccer, baseball, basketball, football, rugby, lacrosse, racquetball, wrestling, or engaging in non-contact sports like rollerblading or skate boarding that have a high risk of falls or other injuries.

Mouthguards made at our Heart of Vinings dental office are much more effective than the “boil and bite” or stock versions you can find in sporting goods stores because they are made from an exact mold of your or your child’s teeth. These custom mouthguards will also make breathing and speaking easier while wearing them so that athletic ability is not hampered in any way.

To learn more about the nightguards and mouthguards we provide and see if one can help you, please call our Atlanta dental office.

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