Grinding your teeth (bruxism) can lead to several dental issues over time, such as worn-down teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and even problems with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). If you frequently grind your teeth, especially at night when you may not be aware of it, a night guard could be beneficial. However, a night guard is only considered a band-aid solution to protect your teeth from wear but it does not address the reason for grinding your teeth. This is where Dr. Nizam comes in. She likes to evaluate the reason for your night time bruxism. It could be due to 2 things in her opinion:

1. A bad bite

2. Environmental factors such as stress

A bad bite she can eliminate and that should eliminate 90% of the night time griding, however the stress part is a little complicated to eliminate a 100% so you might still need a night guard after your bite has been improved.

Here are some signs that indicate you might need a night guard:

1. Worn-down Teeth: Your dentist notices that your teeth are flattened, chipped, or worn down, which can be a sign of grinding.

2. Jaw Pain or Tension: You experience pain or tension in your jaw, especially in the morning.

3. Headaches: You frequently wake up with headaches, particularly around your temples.

4. Sensitivity: You notice increased tooth sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.

5. Damage to Inside of Cheeks: You have unexplained damage to the inside of your cheeks from biting down during sleep.

6. Disrupted Sleep Patterns: Your partner may notice the sound of grinding or clicking noises coming from your mouth while you sleep.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult Dr. Nizam at Impressions Orthodontics in Calgary. She can evaluate your teeth and jaw and recommend whether a night guard is necessary. A night guard can help protect your teeth from further damage caused by grinding and alleviate associated symptoms like jaw pain and headaches.

Please call our office 403-457-7700 or text 587-875-0830 for further information or to set up an appointment with Dr. Nizam at Impressions Orthodontics in Calgary.