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Chronic grinding and clenching of your teeth, as you sleep, can cause serious tooth and jaw damage. But how do you know it’s happening? And what can you do about it?
Your dentist can usually tell if you grind your teeth at night by asking questions about your symptoms and evaluating the health of your enamel. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction can also be associated with teeth grinding, so during your consultation, we will assess whether there are any problems with these joints.
If you do grind your teeth while you sleep, you’ll likely notice some symptoms when you’re awake. If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule a consultation with your dentist as soon as possible:
Reducing your daytime stress and anxiety and relaxing your jaw before bed can help reduce grinding. We also offer special night guards. These are like mouthguards, except instead of protecting your teeth while you play a sport, they protect your teeth from grinding. They hold your jaw in a comfortable position and cushion your upper and lower teeth. Clean your night guard at least once a week with a mild cleanser. You should also rinse your night guard with water after each use.
Chronic teeth grinding, which is also known as bruxism, can result in painful damage to your smile. Treatments like night guards can help protect your smile and reduce tension in your jaw. Please contact us today if you have additional questions or want to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matney at Ballston Dental Care in Arlington, VA!
Dr. David Matney is an experienced general dentist with over 24 years of practice, prioritizing his patients’ health while providing exceptional care in a friendly and relaxed environment. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of North Carolina and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Matney completed a residency and fellowship in general dentistry at the University of Connecticut. His international experience includes serving as a general dentist for Emirates Airline, treating a diverse range of patients. Dr. Matney is committed to staying updated on the latest dental advancements through continued education.