Have you ever awoken from sleep, only to discover your jaw is sore for unknown reasons? Have you found it difficult to eat because your jaw is too sore to open properly?
These problems are common symptoms of people who grind their teeth (bruxism), and the situation is no laughing matter. A lot of people don’t even realize they’re grinding their teeth until their dentists make note of tooth damage during regular dental visits (this is just one reason it’s important to visit our Montreal dentist office regularly!)
Fortunately, there are treatments that can help you combat a tooth grinding habit. Here’s a quick look at some common methodologies the professionals at our LaSalle dentist office suggest regularly.
Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are particularly helpful for people who grind their teeth in their sleep. They create a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth, helping your jaw to even out the pressure.
Mouth guards are similar to those you might see athletes wear during games. They’re made of rubber or plastic and created specifically for your unique mouth after your dentist takes moulded impressions of your bite.
Occlusal Plates
Occlusal plates are similar to guards, but they’re made to last longer (usually several years), whereas mouth guards usually last around a year.
The difference is in the material. Occlusal plates are made from a hard plastic that fits precisely over your teeth, making them the most effective protective option for people who grind their teeth, although this option is also more expensive than mouth guards.
Dental Correction
If you’re experiencing severely sensitive teeth or have difficulty chewing as a result of grinding your teeth, your situation may be more severe. In these cases, your dentist may need to reshape the chewing surfaces of your teeth or repair the damage using crowns.
Botox Injections
Botox has uses far beyond facial wrinkles and furrowed brows. It has been shown to help relax the jaw muscles in people with severe bruxism.
Biofeedback
This method uses monitoring procedures and equipment to teach your body how to control muscle activity in the jaw.
Do you need help putting your tooth-grinding habit to a halt? Dre Nathalie Kadoch has all the tools necessary to keep your pearly whites protected.
Call us at (514) 367-0300 to get started with your first appointment!
