Many people are afflicted with teeth grinding — also known as bruxism. While some individuals may do this throughout the day, it is a larger problem at night during sleep. Jenison dentist Dr. Susan Deters DDS knows that teeth grinding can damage enamel, wear down teeth, cause jaw pain or irritate your gums. The noise from teeth grinding can also disturb your spouse's sleep.

Fortunately, there are solutions that can lessen the damages of tooth grinding, such as bite splints or night guards — restorative devices used to support, protect or immobilize oral structures that have been loosened, replanted, fractured or traumatized.

We offer night guards or bite splint therapy for:

  • Treatment of temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  • Patients dealing with issues from night-time teeth grinding
  • Mouth or jaw problems resulting from bite misalignment

If you grind your teeth you should consider a night guard. Similar to a mouthguard worn by athletes, this device provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. All night guards are custom fitted for comfort and to allow for proper breathing. Your night guard dentist in Jenison will take an impression of your teeth and have the night guard created by a dental lab. Night guards are very durable and can be used for up to 10 years.

There are also some things that you can do to try to stop teeth grinding. You can train your jaw to be free and easy rather than clenched. Refrain from chewing gum or on other objects like pens. You should also avoid alcoholic drinks and drinks with caffeine, as these can increase the likelihood you will grind your teeth. If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth at night set up an appointment with us today.

Our Jenison dentists offer several different types of bite splint therapy for specific conditions. Through proper evaluation and fitting, your Jenison dentist can help alleviate misalignment of your bite and subsequently correct these issues.

To learn more about the nightguards offered by Jenison dentist Susan Deters DDS or to request an appointment, please contact our office or call us directly at 616.457.9191.