Bruxism is a common condition shared by children and adults alike. While occasional teeth grinding isn’t cause for alarm, consistent teeth grinding, especially at night during sleep, can lead to jaw ache and tooth damage.
At Proffitt Dentistry in Maryville, Tennessee, we can diagnose nighttime bruxism by the impact it’s having on your oral health. We also offer bruxism solutions to protect your teeth and relieve discomfort. If you live in Maryville or the surrounding communities of Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Seymour, Tellico, Alcoa, Vonore, Lenoir City, or Madisonville, Tennessee, we invite you to visit our clinic for bruxism diagnosis and care.
Teeth grinding occurs when your bottom teeth rub against your upper teeth, either consciously during the day or unconsciously at night. Stress is a common trigger for bruxism, but it can also be caused by misaligned teeth, sleep disorders, or certain medications. Lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking can also aggravate this condition. Many people aren’t even aware they have nighttime bruxism until informed by their dentist or significant other.
Some common symptoms of grinding your teeth in your sleep are:
Fortunately, there are dental solutions to nighttime bruxism to relieve discomfort and protect your smile. One simple solution is to use a night guard while you sleep. Night guards are protective devices worn over your upper teeth to protect them from damage by your lower teeth at night. Dr. William Proffitt can have this device custom-fitted for your use. A customized night guard will be more comfortable to wear and provide better teeth protection.
Managing your stress levels and cutting back on smoking and alcohol consumption may also help relieve bruxism symptoms. For severe cases of nighttime bruxism, we may recommend muscle relaxants to manage your condition.
To schedule a consultation for bruxism diagnosis and care, contact Dr. William Proffitt of Proffitt Dentistry in Maryville, TN, at (865) 432-0804.
We’ll help you find relief from bruxism symptoms so you can sleep in peace.
Finding a new dental home can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. At…
Do you wake up with headaches from teeth grinding? Have you noticed wear and tear…
Tooth loss can profoundly affect individuals, impacting their oral health, confidence, and quality of life.…
In a world where confidence often begins with a smile, the desire for cosmetic dentistry…
Biomimetic dentistry is a dental restoration approach that is becoming a standard practice of Dr.…
With clear aligners, taking good care of the aligner trays will ensure you get the…