When a patient grinds their teeth at night, they are affecting their overall health in a tremendous way. At Woodbridge Dental, Dr. Lomboy and his professional medical staff offer services to treat both teeth grinding and disorders that occur in conjunction , such as TMJ and sleep apnea. We want to provide all of our patients with healthy smiles and a good night’s rest.
Signs that You Grind Your Teeth
There are an array of symptoms that occur as signals of teeth grinding, such as:
- Waking up with a head ache
- Sore jaw
- Noticeably worn down biting surfaces on teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
Teeth grinding damages teeth, can affect jaw strain, and cause current disorders to worsen. For example, TMJ occurs because the jaw is not properly balanced, and constant grinding adds additional pressure that exacerbates the problem. Teeth grinding can also take place in conjunction with sleep apnea, as patients who struggle to keep airways open unconsciously wear down teeth in the process. However, teeth grinding, TMJ, and sleep apnea all have similar treatment options that alleviate jaw pain and damage to the teeth.
SomnoDent Oral Appliance at Woodbridge Dental
As an alternative to CPAP therapy for sleep apnea, Somnodent oral appliances are an effective, comfortable treatment option for teeth grinding and TMJ as well. The SomnoDent oral appliance moves the lower jaw forward to allow the muscles and tissues that aid in breathing to relax without causing the collapse of tissue at the base of the tongue. This oral appliance fits as mouth guards would, protecting your dentition from teeth grinding and aiding in the relaxation of the jaw joints at night.
The connection between TMJ, the dysfunction and pain within the jaw, and teeth grinding with sleep apnea is the lack of a correct bite. Teeth grinding occurs when a patient is unable to breathe properly during sleep, leading to sleep apnea and the dysfunction of the join within the jaw. SomnoDent oral appliances correct positioning of a lax jaw and covers teeth to protect from further grinding at night.
Contact Woodbridge Dental
Jose Lomboy, DDS, and his medical staff are experienced in treating sleep apnea, teeth grinding, and TMJ. At our general, aesthetic, and implant dentistry practice, we offer a range of services to fit bite problems, straighten teeth, and ensure a good night’s rest. Contact our Woodbridge Dental practice for more information about how to treat teeth grinding today!