Understanding Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Under normal circumstances, your teeth should only contact for about 5 minutes each day. Normal chewing results in brief intervals of contact between enamel surfaces, the hardest substance in the human body. Slight amounts of wear over years of function frequently occur, and bite edges can chip a little. But these durable surfaces should wear at nearly undetectable rates at Yakima Healthy Smiles.

Sometimes teeth develop a flattened, worn appearance, even in young patients. And x-rays may demonstrate unusually thin layers of enamel as if sandpaper has been drawn across the chewing surfaces of the teeth. A few minutes of chewing daily simply shouldn't erode the enamel so much.

You Don't Even Know You're Doing It

Some patients develop a subconscious habit of grinding their teeth, either during the day or night. In many cases, the abrasive action occurs only during sleep, and for only a few seconds at a time.

If you wake up with a sore jaw or a morning headache, chances run high you're grinding your teeth during the night. In some patients, enlarged jaw muscles develop on the sides of the face from the extra activity. These muscles can be the strongest in the body, ounce for ounce. That means they can generate a lot of unnecessary damage in Yakima.

The Damage Teeth Grinding Causes

The unusual activity not only wears down teeth and strains the overworked muscles. The compressive forces can also damage the intricate jaw joints on one or both sides.

Damage to Teeth:

• Worn enamel exposing underlying dentin
• Flattened chewing surfaces
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Fractured fillings or crowns
• Increased sensitivity to hot and cold
• Loosening of teeth
• Eventual tooth loss in severe cases

Damage to Jaw Joints (TMJ):

Damage to the joints may lead to arthritic changes, chronic pain, and popping or clicking. Once these changes settle in, reversing their condition may become impossible at Yakima Healthy Smiles.

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Arthritis in the jaw joints
• Limited jaw opening
• Chronic jaw pain
• Clicking, popping, or locking jaw
• Permanent joint damage (irreversible)

Other Problems:

• Chronic tension headaches
• Facial pain
• Earaches
• Disrupted sleep quality
• Enlarged, overdeveloped jaw muscles

Avoiding Irreversible Damage

If you're waking up with a sore jaw or headaches, or you've noticed chips or flattening of your teeth, a consult with Dr. Kezele should be on your list. The sooner the problem receives attention, the less damage there will be in Yakima.

Custom Nightguard Treatment

Often a carefully calibrated night guard with a distinct bite relationship built in will eliminate the symptoms while protecting your precious enamel.

How Nightguards Work:

A custom nightguard is an oral appliance made specifically for your teeth. Unlike store-bought guards, Dr. Kezele's custom nightguards are designed with precise specifications:

• Creates a protective barrier between upper and lower teeth
• Distributes grinding forces evenly
• Reduces muscle activity and tension
• Protects teeth from wear and damage
• Prevents jaw joint compression
• Calibrated bite relationship for optimal jaw position

Custom vs. Store-Bought Guards:

Custom nightguards from Dr. Kezele:

• Made from dental impressions for perfect fit
• Designed with precise bite calibration
• Durable hard acrylic construction
• Comfortable enough to wear all night
• Effectively reduces grinding and clenching
• Lasts 3-5 years with proper care

Store-bought guards:

• One-size-fits-all or boil-and-bite
• Poor fit leads to discomfort
• Soft material may encourage more clenching
• Often abandoned after a few nights
• Minimal protection compared to custom guards

The Nightguard Process

Getting a custom nightguard at Yakima Healthy Smiles is simple:

• Consultation: Dr. Kezele examines your teeth, jaw, and bite
• Impressions: Precise molds are taken of your teeth
• Fabrication: Your custom nightguard is created in a dental lab (1-2 weeks)
• Fitting: Dr. Kezele ensures proper fit and bite relationship
• Follow-Up: Adjustments made if needed for optimal comfort

Treating Daytime Grinding

Daytime habits of clenching or grinding deserve attention, and strategies to reduce the problem may be developed at Yakima Healthy Smiles:

• Awareness: Notice when you clench and consciously relax
• Stress reduction: Address underlying stress and anxiety
• Posture correction: Improve neck and shoulder alignment
• Habit-breaking techniques: Tongue-to-roof-of-mouth position
• Bite analysis: Correct dental issues contributing to grinding

Comprehensive Bite Analysis

Dr. Kezele will also analyze the current relationship between your teeth to make sure they're moving against each other optimally when you chew. Regardless of the cause, eliminating the strain on the jaw and your teeth as quickly as possible can save you many problems as time goes on in Yakima.

Sometimes bite problems contribute to grinding. If teeth don't fit together properly, your jaw muscles may work harder to find a comfortable position, leading to clenching and grinding. Dr. Kezele can identify and correct these bite issues.

Caring for Your Nightguard

Proper care extends the life of your nightguard:

• Rinse with cool water after each use
• Brush with a soft toothbrush and mild soap (not toothpaste)
• Store in the protective case when not in use
• Keep away from heat (don't leave in hot car)
• Bring to dental appointments for inspection
• Replace every 3-5 years or when worn

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

The damage from teeth grinding accumulates over time. Early intervention prevents:

• Thousands of dollars in restorative dental work
• Permanent jaw joint damage
• Chronic pain and headaches
• Tooth loss
• Years of discomfort

If you suspect you're grinding your teeth, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kezele at Yakima Healthy Smiles. A custom nightguard is a small investment that can save your smile.