NIGHT GUARDS

CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS IN YORKTOWN, VA

WHAT IS BRUXISM?

Do you ever wake up with jaw pain, sore teeth or a headache? It is possible that you are clenching or grinding your teeth at night. Nighttime grinding is also known as bruxism and is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. Although the true cause of bruxism is unknown, most health professionals believe it comes from stress or anxiety. Certain medications may also increase the risk of bruxism. Most patients will have no idea that they are clenching or grinding their teeth at night until symptoms present.

SYMPTOMS OF BRUXISM

  • Excessive wear and tear on back teeth
  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Increased sensitivity in teeth
  • Facial pain usually in the jaw or cheek area
  • Headaches usually in the temple area
  • Tense muscles in the face or neck area
  • Jaw popping or clicking
  • Ear pain
nightguard

Collectively these symptoms are called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD). If left untreated, bruxism can damage the joint that connects the lower and upper jaw, and cause the teeth to wear down. Occasionally, your dentist will identify wear patterns on your teeth that are associated with bruxism and suggest a special appliance that can be custom-made to protect your teeth.

TREATMENT FOR BRUXISM

A custom nightguard is often recommended for patients because it minimizes the effects of grinding the teeth at night. A dental night guard is a common treatment and will protect the teeth from the pressure of clenching and grinding by providing a protective cushion between the upper and lower teeth. At Anthony Martin Dentistry, we specialize in creating custom mouthguards, which will help to prevent the headache and muscle aches associated with clenching and grinding your teeth. Nightguards can also prevent pain in the jaw joint associated with the long-term effects of clenching and grinding.

There are several different types of custom nightguards that are available so if you find that your symptoms are not relieved by your night guard, we can make a different type of night guard. Anthony Martin Dentistry is dedicated to helping you alleviate any pain or discomfort you have as a result of bruxism.

AT-HOME SELF CARE TIPS TO RELIEVE STRESS AND HELP MINIMIZE THE TENDENCY TO GRIND AND CLENCH TEETH:

  • Stay hydrated

  • Avoid chewing gum and hard to chew foods like caramels, toffee, etc… as this can fatigue the chewing muscles

  • Practice stress relief activities like yoga and meditation and maintain a regular form of exercise as it has been shown to help reduce stress

  • Establish and maintain regular sleep habits like a regular bedtime and getting 7-8 hours of sleep

  • Perform regular stretches of the head, neck and jaw to relieve tension or tightness

If you suspect that you may be clenching or grinding your teeth at night, we can help! It is important to address this sleep issue early to minimize future dental problems such as chipped or cracked teeth. Call Anthony Martin Dentistry today for more information at (757) 886-0300.

TREATMENT FOR SLEEP APNEA

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you may not be getting adequate rest at night leaving you feeling extra tired and unfocused throughout the day. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that causes the normal breathing patterns during sleep to be interrupted with the cessation of breath and then gasping or snoring as breathing continues. Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age. People with this condition can stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep.

TYPES OF SLEEP APNEA:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea is the more common type and happens when the soft tissue in the back of the throat relaxes during sleep, causing the airways to become blocked, leading to snoring.
  • Central Sleep Apnea is less common and involves the central nervous system, rather than an airway obstruction. It happens when the brain fails to signal the muscles that control breathing. People with this type of sleep apnea rarely snore.
  • Complex Sleep Apnea is a combination of the two types of sleep apnea.

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