A night guard is a great way to prevent the effects of teeth grinding. Unfortunately, many who could benefit from a night guard do not seek treatment. Having a clearer understanding of what night guards are and how they help is beneficial when deciding if treatment is right for you.
There are common questions that general dentists receive about night guards that prevent teeth grinding. The following is a review of the more frequently asked questions asked about night guards, as well as answers provided by a general dentist.
A night guard, also called a dental guard or an occlusal guard, is a dental device the patient wears over their teeth to prevent teeth grinding. They are most commonly recommend to patients who have issues with bruxism, which is when the upper teeth and lower teeth grind and clench together. Since bruxism often occurs at night, the patient most often does not have the ability to control it. When this is the case, the general dentist may recommend a night guard to prevent symptoms such as chipped, cracked and worn-down teeth and the development of TMJ disorder.
Most general dentists recommend wearing the night guard every night. With that said, every patient is unique. Depending on the cause, some patients may only experience teeth grinding occasionally. For example, someone who grinds their teeth when they are stressed may not need to wear the night guard every night. For best results, it is encouraged to wear the night guard consistently, but missing a day once in a while is nothing to become too concerned about.
Too many people who grind their teeth at night choose not to wear a mouth guard because they feel it will feel uncomfortable and disrupt their sleep. Although the comfort level of over-the-counter night guards is far more unpredictable, a night guard from a dentist that is custom-tailored will offer the most comfortable fit. Many who begin wearing a custom-crafted night guard actually report better sleep, which is not surprising, considering that grinding together your teeth is far from a comfortable experience.
It is important to keep your night guard clean to prevent a build up of food particles and bacteria that can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. You can keep your night guard clean simply by rinsing it off daily and by brushing it with toothpaste (although a safe cleaning material that is less abrasive may work better). If your night guard becomes damaged, it is best to replace it promptly.
Our general dentistry team can help you decide if a night guard to deal with teeth grinding is right for you. You can reach us by phone or by email. We can arrange a time for you to come to visit us to discuss treatment options.
Request an appointment here: https://www.kennethbauerdds.com or call Kenneth J Bauer DDS & Daniel K Bauer DMD - Kenneth J Bauer DDS, A Professional Corporation at (707) 691-5250 for an appointment in our Santa Rosa office.
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