Do you wake up with a stiff, tired jaw? Are your teeth sensitive to cold drinks? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth during sleep. Grinding of the teeth is a medical condition called bruxism. Over time, bruxism will result in the wearing down of your natural tooth enamel. In fact, studies suggest that those who grind and clench their teeth experience up to 80 times the normal wear per day compared with those who do not.

Temporomandibular dysfunction, also called TMD for short, is damage to the jaw joint which results in pain. This damage can result from grinding of the teeth. Over time, this condition typically worsens becoming chronic causing great discomfort and pain to the sufferer. Here Gentle Dental Hervey Bay will assess your TMD condition and recommend a treatment or a referral to a specialist for management.

Reduce the risk of wear and tear of your existing healthy teeth by using a nightguard. A clear, thin removable device, a nightguard is custom made to fit over your upper or lower teeth as you sleep. In addition to relieving head, neck, jaw joint and shoulder pain, it will protect your existing teeth and your dental restorations. It is highly recommended for those who have crowns, bridges, implants and dentures, to offset the effects of this often-subconscious habit that occurs during sleep. Nightguards are custom made and are easy to insert and remove.

Contact us to schedule your appointment for your nightguard impression today!