If your tooth edges look flat or you occasionally wake up with jaw soreness, you may be grinding your teeth while your sleep. Nighttime teeth grinding is a habit of one-third of Americans and employs ten times the force of normal chewing. Not surprisingly, it contributes to problems such as loose teeth, headaches, and pain in the temples and jaw.
To keep your upper teeth from rubbing against lower teeth, a custom-made mouth guard may be all that’s needed. This gives you an exact fit so it is comfortable for sleeping. The firm plastic material of which it is constructed often eliminates the urge to grind that softer material seems to encourage.
If you suspect you are grinding your teeth at night, or perhaps hear grinding from your spouse, call toll free 1-866-9-Smiles or mention your concerns at your next visit.
