Say Goodbye to Grinding Your Teeth

Say Goodbye to Grinding Your Teeth: 5 Ways an Occlusal Guard and Orthodontics Can Protect Your Smile

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Ever woken up with a headache on the side of your face? Or thought you had an ear infection, but the Zoom Care visit came up hopeless? If you’ve visited your dentist in the last year for a chipped front tooth, broken a filling, or for jaw pain; understanding the power behind your jaw muscles and straight teeth, can have a significant impact on your dental health. Here are the top five reasons why investing in a night guard or aligning your bite can be a game-changer for your oral health.

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1. The masseter and temporalis muscles in your head are some of the strongest muscles relative to their size. They are capable of exerting 200-250 pounds of pressure during chewing, and even more when clenching. We use them all day long!

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2. When your teeth are properly aligned they will allow for even distribution while chewing, minimizing the risk of excessive wear or damage to certain teeth that are overused due to an overbite or crooked teeth. 

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3. In situations where you're clenching your teeth while sleeping when stressed, the pressure can increase significantly, sometimes reaching around 200 to 250 pounds of force! Medications can have the same effect. A night guard could turn your night's sleep into a restful one.  

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4. When you grind your teeth, you wear down tooth enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. Orthodontic treatment ensures teeth are aligned to minimize grinding forces, while a night guard offers immediate protection against further enamel loss. Learn more about the benefits of orthodontics with Dr. Worrell here. 

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5. Prevention before intervention! Believe it or not, a night guard or braces can save you money in the long term. Orthodontic treatments like Invisalign or braces can tackle the root causes of bruxism so you don’t break a tooth. Combining that with an occlusal guard, you can prevent the need for extensive restorative work in the future or a dental emergency. 

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To take the next step toward protecting your smile and lasting relief, schedule an appointment today to explore orthodontic options or a custom night guard. Dr. Worrell is here for you!

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By Maryam Worrell