Symptoms and signs like these may signal you are grinding your teeth:

• Chipped or flattened worn-down teeth

• A sore tired jaw, neck or facial muscles especially in the morning

• Sensitive teeth

• Loosened or cracked teeth

• Frequent dull headaches or neck-aches

• Receded gumlines

• Notches forming on the teeth at the gumline easily felt with a fingernail

• Distinct parallel line on the insides of the cheeks

• Damage to crowns, bridges or other dental work

• Soreness around the jaw joints (TMJ’s)

Damage caused by teeth grinding can be extensive and expensive to repair. The earlier such a habit can be identified, the easier it is to prevent damage to the teeth and jaw joints. San Mateo Dentist Dr. Phan offers custom night guards to her patients that suffer from teeth grinding.

San Mateo Dentist Dr. Phan has found that those suffering from frequent headaches or migraines can get significant relief from a Nociception Trigeminal Inhibition (NTI) type nightguard. Other kinds of nightguards are more appropriate for other types of grinders and clenchers. It is important that the right type of nightguard is fabricated to provide proper protection and relief of symptoms.