Do you suffer from bruxism or teeth grinding? If so, San Diego, CA Dental Expert Dr. Kami Hoss says a night guard may be your solution! A night guard is a plastic device worn over your teeth while sleeping. It helps to protect them from the damaging effects of bruxism. This article will discuss the dental health benefits of using a night guard.
Protects Against Teeth Grinding And Jaw Clenching
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a health condition in which a person tightly clenches their teeth and grinds them back and forth. This can occur during the day or night and often happens in response to stress or anxiety. While some people may not experience any symptoms, others may develop headaches, jaw pain, or damage to their teeth after teeth grinding.
Dr. Kami Hoss says mouth guards are one way to help protect against teeth grinding and clenching. They work by creating a barrier between the teeth and the jaws, which helps to reduce friction and prevent damage. In addition, mouth guards can help keep the teeth in alignment, reducing the risk of jaw pain. If you think you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist about whether a mouth guard is right for you. A dentist will be able to answer any questions you have.
Can Help Prevent TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. This disorder can cause several symptoms, including pain, clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Sometimes, it may lead to headaches, neck pain, and dizziness.
Mouth guards can help prevent TMJ disorder by providing jaw support and aligning it. This can help to reduce stress on the temporomandibular joint and decrease symptoms. If you think you may be suffering from TMJ disorder, please talk to your dentist about getting a night guard.
Improves Overall Oral Health
In addition to protecting your teeth and jaws, night guards can also help to improve your overall oral health. Mouth guards can help reduce the build-up of plaque and bacteria in the mouth, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. In addition, they can also help to keep your teeth clean and free from food particles.
What Exactly Is A Night Guard?
Dr. Kami Hosssays a night guard is a device worn over the teeth at night. The purpose of a night guard is to protect the teeth from grinding or clenching during sleep. Night guards are made from various materials, including soft plastics, rigid plastics, and metals. They are custom-made to fit the wearer’s teeth and can be obtained through a dental office or online. Night guards are typically worn on the upper teeth but can also be worn on the lower teeth.
Depending on the grinding or clenching severity, a night guard may need to be worn every night or only on nights when symptoms are most likely to occur. Night guards are an effective treatment for bruxism and can help reduce the wear and tear on the teeth. In addition, night guards can help to alleviate headaches and jaw pain caused by bruxism. For best results, night guards should be worn as directed by a dentist or other healthcare provider.
Different Types Of Night Guards
There are three main types of night guards.
The first type is a custom-made night guard. Custom night guards are made from an impression of the teeth and then fabricated by a dental laboratory. Custom-made night guards are generally more expensive than over-the-counter ones but are also more comfortable and practical.
The second type of night guard is an over-the-counter (OTC) mouthguard. OTC mouthguards can be found at most drugstores or online. They come in various sizes and shapes and can be trimmed to fit the wearer’s teeth. OTC mouthguards are less expensive than custom-made mouthguards, but they are also less comfortable and may not stay in place.
The third type of night guard is an occlusal splint. Occlusal splints are also custom-made but are made from a more rigid material than custom-made night guards. They are typically used to treat more severe cases of bruxism.
Comfort and Ease of Use
Dr. Kami Hoss says one of the benefits of night guards is that they are comfortable to wear. Night guards should fit snugly over the teeth without causing pain or discomfort. In addition, they should be easy to put in and take out. Please talk to your dentist if you experience any pain or discomfort while wearing a night guard.
Final Thoughts
A night guard is a custom-fit device that can help protect your teeth from grinding and clenching. It can also help prevent TMJ disorder and improve your overall oral health. If you are experiencing any TMJ disorder symptoms, please talk to your dentist about getting a night guard.