Nocturnal Bruxism

Clenching your teeth in a bout of stress may seem harmless, but it actually does more harm than good. Teeth clenching and tooth grinding are symptoms of bruxism, a condition in which a patient performs these actions while awake or asleep. When bruxism occurs during sleep, however, it may be a symptom of an underlying condition such as obstructive sleep apnea. Fortunately, regardless of the cause, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS provides a service to treat the problem.

A patient who suffers from nocturnal bruxism can benefit from wearing a night guard during sleep. The purpose of a night guard is to alleviate pressure that is put on the jaw and to create better airflow during sleep. Wearing a night guard protects teeth from further damage and from becoming worn down, broken, or cracked. Bruxism cases can range from mild to severe, depending on which kind you are diagnosed with, treatment options may vary.

If you have questions or concerns about bruxism, give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Basics of Bruxism

Do you ever wake up from a night’s sleep with sore teeth and jaws? You could be grinding your teeth. The medical term for occasional teeth grinding is called bruxism and although this condition does not usually cause harm, when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can develop an individualized treatment plan to help alleviate this condition.

Stress, anxiety, smoking, heavy alcohol, caffeine, depression and sleep disorders are all possible causes of teeth grinding. Treatment for teeth grinding depends on the cause. In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in fracturing, loosening or loss of teeth. Patients may benefit from a mouth guard to stabilize the jaw and prevent tooth damage that is caused by grinding.

If these bruxism symptoms sound all too familiar, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

How to Prevent Teeth Grinding

Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time. Occasional teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise. When this occurs, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can supply preventive treatment with a custom-fitted nighttime mouth guard.

Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or crooked teeth. Because grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw is a symptom of bruxism. If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS. He can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth and then fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep.

If you have questions about bruxism and night guards, please give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Night Guards

Teeth grinding, called bruxism, is a disorder that can damage teeth, restorations, and cause a lot of pain. Here at Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, we have been protecting our patients that grind their teeth by creating a custom night guard to wear while sleeping.

Bruxism can be especially bad at night when you are unware you are grinding your teeth. Clenching and grinding wears away and loosens teeth and restorations. The pressure from the clenching can also cause jaw pain, facial pain, and headaches. This can eventually lead up to TMJ dysfunction.

Dr. Morehart creates a custom night guard to protect your teeth and alleviate the pain caused by grinding. He first takes an impression of your teeth. Acrylic, a hard, durable plastic is then molded over the impression, forming the shape of the mouth piece. This way of custom creating the night guard assures a comfortable fit in your mouth. When night guards are taken good care of, they can last up to ten years.

If you suspect you grind your teeth at night, come see us at our Enid, OK dental practice for an evaluation. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS call us at (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com.