When chronic stress goes unresolved or untreated, it can affect your psychological, medical, and oral health. Your teeth and temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are at increased risk when this stress causes you to grind your teeth at night on a regular basis. Preventing these problems might require preventative measures offered at Gateway Oaks Dental.

Left untouched, the constant grinding and pressure of the condition, known as bruxism, can cause dental fractures on molars and premolars. Over time, the constant tension and muscular stress can also cause inflammation and other discomfort known as TMJ disorder.

One of the easiest ways to prevent this from happening to you is to have Dr. Hoang Truong fit you for a custom dental guard. You simply insert the comfortable mouthpiece onto your teeth when you go to bed at night. It will naturally allow some slip between your teeth as well as cushion the biting surfaces to prevent further damage to the tooth enamel.

When worn consistently, the dental guard can gradually help reduce inflammation and soreness caused by the tension of grinding and clenching the jaw. If you do develop more significant TMJ disorder symptoms, you will likely need further treatment.

If you live in the Sacramento, California, area and you’ve struggled with chronic night grinding, call 916-649-0249 to explore your treatment options at Gateway Oaks Dental. We will be happy to assist you in your dental care needs!