A lot of us grind our teeth at night and may not even realize it, or realize it too late. Nighttime grinding, or bruxism, as it's otherwise known, is a condition that can have very damaging long-term effects on our dental health. There are certain signs we can monitor if we suspect the condition, but most important of all is seeking treatment as early as possible from our Mount Gilead, NC, dentist Dr. Johnny McKinnon. Reach out to learn more.
What To Look For
One of the biggest signs that we are suffering from bruxism will be seen in the shape of our teeth. But because nighttime grinding wears our teeth over time we may not notice how severely it can transform our smile. Just as with other sleeping conditions it will be our partner who first notices as the sound of teeth grinding can be very noticeable. But the absolute best way to monitor any type of dental condition is with regular dental visits. During these checkups, our dentist can examine our teeth and can usually spot the telltale signs of nighttime grinding, and can provide us with the means to protecting our teeth.
Sleep Apnea Therapy in Mount Gilead, NC
Causes for nighttime grinding are varied and can be influenced by daytime stress and anxiety, it's also been linked to bite problems and sleeping conditions such as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects our breathing as we sleep, it manifests when our upper airway collapses in the night obstructing our breathing. Just like nighttime grinding, sleep apnea's damaging effects carry over into our waking days. Many professionals will often inquire about symptoms related to sleep apnea if they suspect bruxism. The good news is that a possible treatment for sleep apnea is an oral appliance, which is worn like a mouthguard during bed, that can also serve to prevent teeth grinding.
If you live in the Mount Gilead, NC, and Troy, NC, areas and are looking for sleep apnea therapy, nighttime grinding treatment, or both, you can dial (910) 439-9744 to schedule a consultation with Dr. McKinnon.