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The journey to excellent oral health can be an uphill climb if you have bruxism. Fortunately, this condition characterized by chronic teeth grinding can be treated promptly, painlessly, and non-invasively with oral appliance therapy at Creo Dentistry in Marysville, Washington.

Toothy truths about bruxism

There is still much to be learned about bruxism. What we do know is that this condition often presents as chipped teeth, and excessive wear and tear on enamel and dental restorations. So, dentists like Dr. Dan Hwang are often the first to bring a potential problem to the attention of the patient. Often, patients do not realize they are grinding their teeth because they do so at night while asleep. However, patients may also have “awake bruxism,” which most often manifests when individuals grind their teeth while stressed or when concentrating.

We encourage patients to treat bruxism promptly. In this manner, they can protect their teeth and tissues from damage that requires restorative treatment. For those who have already received restorations like fillings or crowns, we encourage them to protect the investment they’ve made in their smile. Since stress is thought to play a factor in the development of bruxism, patients who practice relaxation methods may see a tremendous improvement in the frequency and severity of their teeth grinding. Many patients can also benefit from oral appliances commonly referred to as “night guards.”

Protect your teeth while you sleep

Nightguards are customized oral appliances that you slip into your mouth before you go to bed. They are lightweight and fitted to your mouth. So, many patients find it quite easy to get accustomed to wearing them. Unlike off-the-shelf appliances, they don’t rub awkwardly against the insides of your mouth. Awake bruxers or those who have TMJ symptoms can benefit from other types of appliances. These appliances not only protect the teeth from damage, but they also prevent the back teeth from touching when you bite down. In this way, your jaw joints do not bear the full force from the act of grinding your teeth. It is not unusual for patients with bruxism to also complain about TMJ-like symptoms, including chronic migraines, back and neck pain, jaw stiffness, and tinnitus (ringing of the ears). Again, much of bruxism still remains elusive but there is thought to be a connection between both conditions. Regardless, custom oral appliance therapy at Creo Dentistry is a tremendous investment in your oral health, comfort, and quality of life. Schedule an appointment at our office today by calling us at (360) 502-7217. We can discuss your concerns and options to prevent damage, or to get relief from the pain of bruxism and related conditions.