Protect Your Teeth from the Effects of Bruxism and Night Time Clenching

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- At some point or another, all of us unconsciously grind or clench our teeth together; usually as a result of stress or anxiety. This behavior is normal, and carries little or no harm, unless the action occurs with regularity. Regular grinding or gnashing of the teeth, or bruxism, carries with it a number of negative consequences such as tooth damage, an increased risk of infection due to a wearing down of the enamel, headaches, and even sleep loss. At the Calabasas Dental Group and California Dental Care, Dr. Farzad Feiz, a respected dentist in West Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley area, has the tools and the experience at his disposal to provide patients relief from bruxism.

According to the American Dental Association, 20% of the U.S. population is affected by bruxism. The primary causes of bruxism are still unknown, but links have been made to anxiety and stress. Bruxism normally starts  during childhood, and can either subside, or continue on through adulthood. The symptoms of bruxism can include:

• Excessive tooth wear
• Tooth fractures and nerve damage
• Hypersensitivity of the teeth
• Dental pain
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth

Bruxism can also take a negative toll on the body by reducing the quality of sleep. The Sleep Foundation cites that 8% of Americans experience bruxism while sleeping which, in addition to grinding and tapping, can cause the jaw to clench and produce up to 250 pounds of pressure per square inch, enough to crack a walnut. This constant grinding and clenching has been shown to heighten the disturbance reflex in the brain during sleep. The end result is that many people who experience sleep bruxism wake from sleep more frequently during the night, which interrupts crucial REM sleep. Poor sleep carries with it a wide range of negative health consequences, including fatigue and a reduced immunity to illness.

Surprisingly, a mouth guard, which is the most effective tool we have to protect the teeth during physical activity, is also an excellent means of addressing the consequences of bruxism on proper sleep. A carefully fitted mouth guard protects the teeth from unconscious grinding and clenching which decreases dental damage, and can even improve sleep. At Feiz Dental, night guards are individually molded and properly fitted for each patient and are far more comfortable and effective than over the counter guards. In addition to preventing further damage, through decades of experience and dedication, Dr. Feiz will repair previous dental issues to give his patients' the healthiest smiles possible. Services also include crowns, bridges, and veneers. In addition to West Hollywood, Feiz Dental also offers service in the Calabasas-San Fernando Valley area for anyone in need of a dentist in Woodland Hills. For more information about Calabasas Dental Group or California Dental Care, visit www.feizdental.com, call 818-871-0680 (Calabasas location) or 310-207-1060 (West Los Angeles location).

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SOURCE Feiz Dental

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