Customized, professional-grade night guards for tooth grinding in Thibodaux, LA
Do you suspect that you grind your teeth while you sleep? If so, you are not alone – it is estimated that nearly one in ten adults clench and grind their teeth at night, and it is even more common in children. At Acadia Family Dentistry, Dr. Palmer offers patients in the Thibodaux, LA area customized, professional-grade night guards to protect their teeth from the extensive damage that grinding can cause.
Symptoms of teeth grinding and clenching
Clenching and grinding your teeth, also called bruxism, might seem like a fairly benign condition, but it can actually lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms that can affect not just your quality of life, but also lead to costly dental problems down the road. Common symptoms of bruxism include:
- Loud grinding sounds that your bed partner can hear
- Waking up with neck pain, ear pain, or headaches
- Tight muscles in your jaw or the sensation of a locked jaw
- Frequent waking throughout the night
- Teeth that chip easily or have uneven wear and tear
- Tooth sensitivity or pain
- Worn down tooth enamel
If you suffer from bruxism, it could be a temporary issue due to acute stress, or it could be a chronic issue that lasts for years. If left untreated, frequent grinding and clenching can cause severe damage to your teeth and the best way to protect them is with a night guard. Made from a high-quality plastic, a dental night guard helps reduce the pressure and force placed on your teeth from clenching, as well as the friction caused by grinding.
How we make mouth guards for teeth grinding
The first step in getting a mouth guard for sleeping is to schedule a consultation at our office. We will evaluate your teeth and ask you about various symptoms to help determine whether you would be a good candidate for a bruxism night guard. If you are, we take simple impressions of your teeth, which are used to fabricate the night guard for a perfect, customized fit. Once the mouth guard is ready, you come back into the office and we check to ensure it fits as designed, and then you just wear it while you sleep to protect your teeth.
If you think you might be grinding your teeth at night and you live in the Thibodaux, Houma, Chackbay, Labadieville, Schriever, Raceland, Gray, or surrounding communities, call Acadia Family Dentistry at (985) 303-2920 to schedule a consultation and evaluation today!
