If you clench and grind your teeth as you sleep, you may be suffering from bruxism. While this clenching and grinding is a common involuntary reaction to fear, anger, or stress, it can be detrimental to your oral and overall health and can severely damage your teeth and jaw. If you are in Cincinnati, Ohio, or the surrounding areas, Drs. Jesal Patel and Shawn Dornhecker offer effective, custom-made bite guards to help treat bruxism.
There are two types of bruxism: sleep bruxism and awake bruxism. Sleep bruxism differs from awake bruxism in that it occurs while you sleep, so you cannot stop it, thus increasing the risk of damage to your teeth and jaw. Those who suffer from this condition don’t usually grind their teeth all night long. However, they may have anywhere from a few to a couple hundred episodes of grinding and clenching.
Below are some of the consequences of sleep bruxism:
Fortunately, an oral appliance called a bite guard can help prevent bruxism, protecting your teeth from further damage.
A bite guard is a dental appliance that your dentist can custom-design to match the exact specifications of your mouth with the help of bite impressions. They are made from strong, transparent plastic and are designed to fit snugly in your mouth. When you wear a bite guard at night, your teeth are protected from the strong vertical forces of grinding or clenching, thereby also releasing pressure on the joints of your jaw.
Here are some of the benefits of a custom-made bite guard:
Drs. Jesal Patel and Shawn Dornhecker of Patel and Dornhecker Dentistry in Cincinnati, OH, are happy to answer any questions you may have about bite guards to help treat bruxism. Our office in Bridgetown can be reached at (513) 815-3188. If our Fairfield location is more convenient, please dial (513) 815-3166 to book an appointment today. We look forward to meeting your dental care needs!
Dr. Jesal A. Patel and Dr. Shawn Dornhecker run a successful dental practice in their home state of Ohio. Both doctors attended the Miami University for Microbiology in Oxford, Ohio and The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. The wife-husband duo brings together a wealth of experience while working with children, adults, and veterans during their residency at The Medical College of Ohio.
Patel and Dornhecker Dentistry has two offices in Bridgetown and Fairfield. The team at the clinic strives to serve with the best quality care to their patients using the latest technology. They strongly believe in working with local businesses in Ohio to empower the local community.
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