Preventive Dentistry in Chicago, IL

Bruxism is a chronic condition characterized by grinding or clenching of the teeth. Bruxism usually occurs during sleep but can also occur during waking hours. A number of serious conditions can arise from bruxism, including broken teeth, loss of enamel, receding gums, neck pain, jaw pain, headaches, and temporomandibular joint disorders.

To prevent these complications, it is important to correctly identify and treat bruxism. There are tell-tale signs of these conditions in the mouth that a professional dental healthcare provider can identify. Patients are often unaware that they are clenching and grinding their teeth during their sleep. Fortunately, many people with these conditions are able to find relief and successfully treat and manage bruxism using a custom nightguard.

We discourage stock (non-custom) nightguards, because they are not specifically designed for the patient and may exacerbate the condition.

Most dental problems start small. Early decay, mild gum inflammation or wear from grinding usually causes no pain at first, so it’s easy to miss at home. Regular exams, cleanings and X-rays help our team find these changes early, when treatment is often simpler and more comfortable, and a professional cleaning removes tartar that brushing and flossing can’t reach.

It matters at every age. For children, early visits build comfortable, positive habits and let us watch how teeth are coming in. For adults and seniors, regular care helps protect existing fillings and crowns, keep an eye on gum health and catch changes that can come with medications or dry mouth.

A typical preventive visit includes a cleaning and an exam. During the cleaning, our team removes plaque and tartar from around your teeth and along the gumline, then polishes the surfaces. Your dentist will check your teeth, gums, bite and the soft tissues of your mouth, and may take X-rays if it has been a while since your last set.

Most people find a cleaning comfortable, and there’s no recovery time. Before you leave, we’ll talk through anything we noticed. At home, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth daily and limiting sugary snacks and drinks go a long way. If you grind or clench, wearing your custom nightguard as directed helps protect your teeth overnight.