Protecting Your Smile at Night

Do you wake up in the morning with painful headaches? If so, you may suffer from teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Sometimes grinding and clenching is unconscious and you don’t feel anything at all. Dr. Ann Kania can determine symptoms of bruxism simply by inspecting your mouth.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is an unconscious and chronic act of grinding or clenching your teeth. It is often a result of stress, anxiety, or nervousness. Bruxism puts extra pressure on your teeth. Over time, the enamel will wear down and weaken, causing your teeth to hurt, chip, crack, or shift out of place. Bruxism also affects your facial muscles. When you grind or clench, your facial muscles tighten and tense. This could cause headaches, jaw pain, earaches, jaw popping, or clicking.

How Can Bruxism be Treated?

Fortunately, there is a solution to your nighttime grinding behaviors. Mouth guards are placed over your teeth to protect them from damage. Your teeth won’t hit each other during the night, protecting your oral health. Dr. Kania encourages custom-fitted night guards to ensure that the guard will protect your mouth as needed. Diagnostic impressions of your teeth determine the best size and structure for your mouth. A custom-fitted night guard will match the shape and form of your mouth to prevent irritation, pain, and discomfort. Also, relaxation techniques can help you relax your jaw muscles and ease your pain.

Visit Dr. Kania for an analysis of your mouth to check for any signs of bruxism.  Contact Dr. Kania at our dentist office in Encintas, California at (760) 642-0711 to receive your custom night guard. We welcome patients from Del Mar, La  Costa, Rancho Santa Fe, and the greater San Diego area.