Mouthguards are a common oral device used by athletes during sporting activities, yet many people do not know that a dental night guard is also available to protect teeth while sleeping. People dealing with teeth grinding (called bruxism) or suffering from sleep apnea can get customized night guards from their dentist to to relieve the condition. This article talks about how dental night guards shield teeth from the damage caused by nighttime teeth grinding.
Teeth grinding or clenching is a prevalent problem. Everyone has clenched their teeth at one point or another, whether due to frustration or anger. However, some people do it so frequently (especially at night) that it damages their teeth, causes headaches, jaw pain and temporomandibular joint disorders. During a routine dental checkup, a dentist may notice signs of teeth grinding; these signs may include flat or chipped teeth, neck or facial pain, sore jaw muscles and tooth sensitivity.
Tooth enamel is the strongest part of the body, but bruxism leaves its mark. Teeth grinding causes every tooth to deteriorate gradually over time, causing more wear and tear than normal. Patients who have dental fillings may have fillings break or dislodge due to grinding. The teeth may even break in severe cases.
What makes bruxism so worrisome is the fact that many patients do not know they have the condition. The most effective way to protect the teeth from the force of grinding and clenching is to wear a fitted night guard while asleep. The dentist customizes a night guard for the patient’s oral cavity, which makes it highly effective.
The most obvious advantage of getting a night guard is that it protects tooth enamel. Depending on the extent of grinding—ranging from mild to moderate to heavy—the dentist may recommend a soft rubber mouth guard, a hybrid laminate guard with a hard outer shell and soft interior or a hard acrylic guard.
The night guard fits in between the teeth, stopping them from hitting against each other and harming the enamel. Night guards can weaken or get damaged within one to five years; when this happens, patients can simply return to the dental office for a replacement. Otherwise, damages due to grinding may require replacing teeth, which is not always a fun process.
Allowing tooth enamel to endure the recurrent grinding force of bruxism can cause enamel and dentin to deteriorate to the extent of exposing tooth pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. This will not only compromise the strength of teeth but also expose them to potential infection. Sometimes the underlying cause of teeth grinding can be hard to determine and stop, but getting a dental night guard can prevent teeth from getting damaged and help people avoid costly dental procedures.
The dental night guard is not only effective for protecting teeth, but it will also serve as a cushion for the jaw to alleviate muscle ache. If you think you might benefit from a custom night guard, book a consultation with the dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://sonorandesertdentistry.com or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at (480) 439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Night Guard in Scottsdale, AZ.
Wearing a night guard each night can help protect your teeth if you grind them while sleeping. These devices lessen the stress that bruxism places on teeth, resulting in less damage. Most people with bruxism often go undiagnosed because the condition mostly happens during sleep. A visit to the dental office can help to identify…
General dentists typically recommend a dental night guard for patients who deal with teeth grinding, especially at night. Also known as bruxism, the American Dental Association notes that it affects between 10 to 15 percent of Americans, which makes it a common issue. Although night guard treatment is usually the preferred option for bruxism patients,…
Bruxism is the medical term that refers to grinding the teeth during sleep, something which night guards may help prevent. Grinding is not just annoying but can also cause damage to the teeth, as well as a variety of other health problems. A dentist can perform an exam to determine the extent of the damage…
A night guard is an appliance for the mouth that helps protect the teeth as well as gums. It is commonly used to protect the teeth from the damaging effects of teeth grinding. Teeth grinding or bruxism can be treated by wearing the appliance while you sleep. Read on to learn more about the benefits…
The teenage years can be awkward, especially for those who have to deal with crooked teeth. Invisalign® presents an alternative to traditional braces, and these clear aligners can have the same corrective impact with less discomfort both physically and socially for a self-conscious teen. The benefits of clear aligners and the ability to correct an…
There are various options for straightening teeth. Invisalign® for teens is a popular option for this age group, as it is less obvious than traditional metal braces. Invisalign consists of clear trays that fit over the top and bottom rows of teeth. This straightening method has many benefits. However, not everyone is a good candidate.…