Dental Night Guard Kit to Protect Your Teeth
Bruxism is the medical term used for teeth grinding.
The condition affects almost 8% adults as per the National Sleep Foundation.
Teeth grinding can be a serious problem and, if left untreated, may lead to
chipped, broken, or cracked teeth. It may also cause TMJ/TMD and headaches.
Patients with a history of teeth grinding at night
are generally recommended dental night guards. Taking care of your teeth also helps you sleep better. Bruxism should be treated as
early as possible to prevent lasting damage.
Dental Night Guard Types
There are two major types of dental night guards –
custom made and over-the-counter. While the usual boil and bite dental night
guards found at local drugstores can be helpful in reducing grinding of teeth,
they are no match to the benefits of a custom night guard that is made professionally
by a dentist.
Custom-made night guards make use of detailed molds
of your jaw and teeth. They allow for a more comfortable wear. Your dentist
shall consider your jaw alignment during fitting to make sure the product does
not place any undue stress on your jaw joint (also called Temporomandibular
joint).
Store purchased night guards look attractive because
of their low cost, but these are fragile, ill-fitting, and may not be durable
at all. In comparison, custom-made night guards can last for a decade when
handled carefully. They make the more cost-effective option in the long term.
Do You Need a Custom Dental Night Guard?
It may be time to schedule an appointment with your
dentist to discuss getting a mouth guard for bruxism if you experience any of
the following:
Chipped Tooth
Chipped tooth is a clear sign that your night
grinding has become serious. You should have your dentist take a look at it for
repairs and to suggest measures to prevent any future occurrence. Teeth
grinding done during the night puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the
enamel and may damage it. This may also lead to cavities.
Chronic Grinding
Generally, people grind due to stress or temporary
issues. This is called periodical grinding. In others, bruxism is more chronic
which means that grinding takes place almost every night. It is best to see
your dentist and have a custom-made night guard fitted to minimize negative
oral effects.
Headaches
Night grinding can cause morning headaches. Constant
clenching of your jaw puts undue pressure on your temple. While a dental night
guard would not stop the grinding completely, it could be a big help. Your
dentist may also suggest relaxation exercises to help unwind during the night.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
TMJ is the result of inflammation in the jaw muscles. This is known to happen as a result of grinding and clenching the teeth for long periods of time. Your dentist will talk about fitting you with a night guard if this problem is diagnosed. Dental guards can prevent teeth clenching and reduce a major portion of pain associated with Temporomandibular joint disorder.
Schedule an appointment with a dentist such as Sunshine Smiles Dentistry if teeth grinding has become a serious problem. The dentist there can help you with well-fitting and affordable custom made dental night guards.
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