When you wake up in the morning, you expect to feel well rested and ready for the day, but what if instead of feeling great, you constantly have headaches or jaw pain? The answer might be something that you don’t even know you’re doing: grinding your teeth.
Though we’re mostly conscious of our actions throughout the day, when we undergo stress or are bored, sometimes our body finds a way to cope, and for some, that’s grinding their teeth. Sometimes it happens at night while we sleep, in which case a night guard near you can be prescribed by your dentist. You don’t have to wait for a prescription though if you already know that teeth grinding is an issue for you. Night guards are available at most pharmacies and drug stores over the counter, but while they may be affordable, they’re not always comfortable. Getting a night guard through your dentist, although more pricy, is far more comfortable as it is custom made just for you.
If night guards are not the right choice for you, your dentist may offer and recommend the following alternative treatments:
Straightening Your Teeth: Misaligned teeth that don’t fit together properly in your mouth can lead to some uncomfortable situations. By using braces or Invisalign, you can correct the problem and avoid the symptoms of teeth grinding in the process.
Coping Strategies for Stress: The most common reason that people clench and grind their teeth is because of stress. However, having a healthy way of dealing with the stress such as a stress ball and other objects, may prevent you from resorting to clenching your teeth.
Contact us today for an in-depth consultation where we can determine the best course of treatment for you.
