Tired of Grinding Your Teeth in Your Sleep? Consider a Mouthguard

Although teeth grinding (bruxism) is a common problem, that doesn’t mean it should be accepted as part of life. Teeth grinding over a period of time can damage your teeth, which will detract from the beauty of your smile. At Kingsgate Dental, Kirkland, Washington, we offer a practical solution to teeth grinding issues in the form of a mouthguard. If you currently have a problem with clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep, talk to Dr. Ann Kelley about using a mouthguard at night to protect your teeth.

Causes and Symptoms of Bruxism

If you sleep alone, you may be unaware of your problem with teeth grinding until your dentist recognizes the symptoms. Some common drawbacks of teeth grinding are:

• Wear and tear on the enamel of your teeth
• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Jaw soreness
• Waking up with headaches or facial pain
• Fatigue from poor sleep due to grinding teeth

Stress and anxiety could be possible causes of teeth grinding along with the use of tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine. People who have problems with snoring, sleep apnea, abnormal bites, or crooked teeth may be more susceptible to teeth grinding issues. A dental checkup by Dr. Kelley will determine if dental problems may be contributing to your bruxism so you can get treatment.

Mouthguard for Grinding Teeth

Most people can resolve problems with teeth grinding by using a mouthguard (nightguard) when they sleep. Mouthguards put a cushion between your top and bottom teeth to prevent grinding. Nightguards also reduce tension in your jaw to prevent jaw soreness and facial pain that often accompany teeth grinding issues. Most importantly, you can reduce the risk of tooth damage when you prevent teeth grinding with nightguards, which will protect your smile. Dr. Kelley can recommend or fit you with a mouthguard suited to your dental needs.

To help resolve problems with teeth grinding or other dental issues, contact Dr. Ann Kelley, your dental specialist from Kingsgate Dental in Kirkland, Washington, at (425) 385-0080.

Ann Kelley, DDS

Dr. Ann Kelley is a graduate of the Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. She highly values the comfort of her patients, and places the needs of the patient above her convenience. Her dental clinic is built to bring the best and most comfortable dental experience to all her patients. She builds relationships with her patients based on trust and always acts to safeguard this trust.