Understing the concept of Nightguards.
Nightguards, also known as dental guards or mouth guards, are made to prevent the effects of teeth grinding. They are usually made from strong acrylic resin and can be either soft or hard. Your dentist may suggest wearing the nightguard on your upper front teeth to prevent contact with the lower front teeth while sleeping. If you grind your teeth heavily, a guard for the lower teeth may be advised. Mouthguards not only offer protection but also help cushion the jaw muscles.
Do I require a night guard?
If you wake up with a sore jaw, it could be a sign that you are grinding your teeth, especially if you have a high-stress job and notice your teeth chipping. Teeth grinding can cause headaches, earaches, and damage to your fillings or teeth over time. Surprisingly, teeth grinding can even wear down the hardest bone in the body, the tooth. In severe cases, it can lead to tooth sensitivity and joint wear. Fortunately, all of these problems can be prevented by using a night guard. We can evaluate your situation to determine if a night guard is needed for you.
Should I wear night guards while participating in sports?
People of all ages, including children and adults, who play contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey should wear mouth guards. It is also suggested that individuals participating in non-contact sports like gymnastics, as well as recreational activities like skateboarding and mountain biking, which could pose a risk of mouth injuries, should also consider using protective mouth guards.
Benefits of Using Night Guards
Are you grinding your teeth unconsciously when feeling angry, stressed, or anxious? This habit, known as bruxism, can have negative effects on your oral health. Dentists may suggest using a nightguard in addition to anxiety treatments to protect your teeth.
Although a nightguard cannot completely stop teeth grinding, using it regularly can help prevent damage to fillings, avoid chipping or loosening of teeth, and reduce wear on tooth enamel. It may also improve the quality of your sleep and lessen bruxism symptoms.
If you would like to learn more about nightguards, please schedule an appointment with our dentist at Randall Pointe Dental. They can help determine if a nightguard is the right option for you. Your satisfaction is our main priority!
