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. In severe cases of teeth grinding, 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 result in 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 more 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?
Individuals of all ages, including children and adults, who participate in contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey are advised to wear mouth guards. It is also recommended that those involved in non-contact sports like gymnastics, as well as recreational activities such as skateboarding and mountain biking that pose a risk of mouth injuries, consider using protective mouth guards.
Benefits of Using Night Guards
Are you unknowingly grinding your teeth when you're feeling angry, stressed, or anxious? This habit, called bruxism, can harm your oral health. Dentists may suggest using a nightguard and anxiety treatments to protect your teeth.
Although a nightguard may not 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 enhance your sleep quality and lessen bruxism symptoms.
If you want to know more about nightguards, please make an appointment with our dentist at Randall Pointe Dental. They can help determine if a nightguard is suitable for you. Your satisfaction is our main concern!
