Many people suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching. However, a majority of people who grind and clench their teeth are unaware of the problem because it occurs at night while they sleep. Nighttime teeth grinding and clenching can cause severe pain and dental damage; common signs of bruxism include:
- Frequently occurring headaches and migraines
- Very worn tooth enamel and exposed inner layers of the teeth
- Flattened, worn-down, cracked or chipped teeth
- Chronic jaw and facial discomfort
- Tight or tired feeling in the jaw muscles when waking up
- Indentations on the tongue
- Ear pain and ringing in the ears
If you have noticed these symptoms, we encourage you to contact Dr. Derek Lichter’s office to learn about night guards. A night guard is a custom-made oral appliance that is worn while you sleep to protect your teeth from the effects of bruxism. The night guard fits snugly over your teeth and prevents them from grinding against each other while you sleep.
If you believe that you may suffer from teeth grinding in Chula Vista, California, we welcome you to contact us today at 619-591-8945 to learn more and to set up your next appointment with our friendly dentist. We are committed to helping you improve your oral health!
