If you frequently wake up with a dull headache, a sore jaw, or neck pain, you might be dealing with a common but destructive condition known as bruxism — the involuntary clenching and grinding of your teeth, often while you sleep.
Often triggered by stress, anxiety, or an abnormal bite, chronic grinding can seem harmless at first, but it can lead to severe and lasting damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw joint (TMJ).
At Dentistry at 1818 Market Street, we frequently diagnose and treat bruxism because catching it early is essential for protecting your long-term dental health.
The Silent Destroyer: What Bruxism Does to Your Smile
Bruxism generates enormous forces—far greater than normal chewing—which inflict serious wear and tear on your oral structures:
- Worn and Chipped Teeth: Over time, grinding literally sands down the chewing surfaces of your teeth, leading to flatness, cracks, chips, and increased sensitivity. Severely worn teeth often require extensive restorations like crowns.
- Jaw Pain and TMJ/TMD Issues: The constant tension and muscle overactivity can inflame the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), leading to clicking, popping, limited jaw movement, and chronic facial pain (TMD).
- Gum Recession and Loose Teeth: Excessive force can damage the bone support around your teeth, contributing to gum recession and potentially leading to tooth mobility or loss.
- Chronic Headaches and Migraines: Many tension headaches are actually related to the muscles of the jaw and temples being overworked all night long.
Why DIY Solutions Won’t Cut It
While you may find “boil-and-bite” night guards at the drugstore, these rarely offer adequate protection or comfort. They are often bulky, interfere with breathing, and don’t provide the precise fit required to keep your jaw in a relaxed, neutral position.
The only effective solution is a professional diagnosis and a custom-fitted appliance.
Your Dentistry at 1818 Market Street team will:
- Thoroughly Examine your bite, check your jaw joints, and look for signs of wear.
- Take Impressions of your teeth to create a guard that fits only your mouth.
- Fabricate a Custom Night Guard made of durable, high-quality acrylic that comfortably cushions your teeth, absorbs the destructive forces of grinding, and allows your jaw muscles to rest.
Stop the Grinding. Start Protecting Your Health.
Don’t let nocturnal teeth grinding steal your sleep and destroy your smile! A custom night guard is a small investment that prevents major dental expenses and can dramatically improve your daily comfort by eliminating headaches and jaw soreness.
If you suspect you or a loved one is grinding their teeth, it’s time to take action.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
We make it easy to protect your health and your smile. Here’s how you can take action today:
- Schedule a Bruxism Exam: This professional examination allows us to accurately diagnose the extent of your grinding and assess any existing damage to your teeth and jaw joints. Call Dentistry at 1818 Market Street today at 215 567-2666 and ask for a Bruxism Assessment!
- Discuss Custom Night Guards: Don’t settle for inadequate store-bought guards. We provide custom-fitted appliances that are the only solution proven to effectively protect your teeth and allow your jaw muscles to relax.
- Prioritize Your Pain: When you contact us to schedule, please mention your headaches, jaw stiffness, or facial pain. This ensures we dedicate the necessary time to accurately address these symptoms during your visit. Mention your specific concerns when booking your next appointment!
We look forward to helping you find lasting relief and a healthier, pain-free smile, so schedule an appointment online or call Dentistry at 1818 Market Street at 215 567-2666 today!
