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Our upper and lower teeth are supposed to glide together smoothly, touching only when we are chewing food. Unnatural grinding or clenching can cause wearing and cracking of the teeth as well as serious jaw impairment and pain. When we grind our teeth on a regular basis, we have a condition called bruxism
The Consequences of Bruxism
Over the years, the accumulated toll of bruxing can produce a wide range of damage that includes:
*Front teeth worn down so they are flat and even in length
*Micro-cracks and broken fillings, eventually leading to nerve damage
*Teeth ground down to the dentin, causing sensitivity to heat and cold
*Gum recession, due to pressure on the gum line
*Loose teeth, caused by the rocking effect of bruxing, and gum pockets, also produced by the back-and-forth rocking effect.
*Headache and aching jaws due to overuse of muscles.
The Custom-Fitted Bite Plate Remedy (Night Guard)
One practical remedy is the use of a bite plate (night guard) that has been custom-fitted by your dentist. Wearable day or night, its acts as a bumper guard, absorbing the force of the clenching or grinding. While over-the-counter night guards are available, they tend to be uncomfortable and are so soft that they may get chewed through. In addition, over-the-counter night guards do not account for occlusal discrepancies that may be the source of your bruxing problems; a night guard custom fabricated by your dentist does.
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