
Protect Your Smile From the Damage of Nighttime Clenching & Grinding
Cavities and gum disease aren't the only threats to your oral health. Nighttime clenching and grinding, a condition known as bruxism, affects most of the American population and can silently cause serious damage to your teeth, jaw joints, and surrounding muscles. Stress, excess caffeine, bite misalignment, poor posture, and sleep apnea are all known contributors, and many people have no idea they are doing it until the damage is already visible.
The good news is that bruxism is very manageable with the right protection. At John E. Russo, DMD Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Orlando, Dr. Russo can fit you with a custom-made nightguard in just two appointments — a simple, non-invasive solution that shields your teeth from grinding forces, reduces pressure on your TMJ, and gives you a better night's sleep.
We serve patients from Downtown Orlando, Winter Park, Lake Eola Heights, Thornton Park, Baldwin Park, Conway, and surrounding communities throughout Central Florida.
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How Does Teeth Grinding Affect Your Oral Health?
Teeth grinding at night affects millions of Americans, or an estimated 8% of the population. Stress is often a factor, but this condition can also be caused by too much caffeine, bite alignment issues, poor posture, and sleep apnea.
Many people aren’t aware that they’re clenching and grinding, but since it can affect your oral health in several ways, Dr. Russo looks for the following signs and symptoms at every checkup:
- Cracks, fractures, or chips, or a flattening of the chewing surfaces of your back teeth
- Jaw pain, clicking, or popping from chronic stress on your jaw joint (TMJ)
- Worn tooth enamel and subsequent sensitivity to temperature or chewing pressure
- Headaches or earaches
- A scalloped appearance on the sides of your tongue
The Importance of a Custom-made Nightguard
The Benefits of Wearing a Nightguard
Wearing a custom-made nightguard won’t stop you from clenching and grinding, but it will cushion and protect your teeth from damage and reduce the pressure on your TMJ. These lightweight appliances are portable, comfortable, and easy to use, and will help you avoid all of the issues mentioned above. And, ultimately, wearing a nightguard each night can help you prevent the need for major dental work.
With that said, it’s important to recognize that not all nightguards are created equal and that over-the-counter options aren’t as effective as what we can make for you.
