Nighttime grinding of the teeth and clamping is medically referred to as bruxism. Bruxism not only shortens the life of your teeth but also damages the enamel, making them more susceptible to cavities. According to robert hendricks dmd, mph, if you suffer from nighttime teeth grinding, a night guard can help.
What Are the Different Night Guards Available?
Night guards can be divided into three categories:
- Stock Night guards
These can be purchased in any drugstore. They are reasonably priced and convenient, too. Dentists advise against using them because of how cumbersome they are.
- Night Guards that Boil and Bite
These thermoplastic protectors provide a more customized fit than traditional mouthguards. They are simple to operate. The mouth guard is softened in hot water before being placed in the mouth. Then, mold it to fit your teeth with the help of your fingers and tongue.
- The Best Fitting Night Guards
This sort of night guard is custom-made by dental lab technicians. They make a night guard that fits your needs by making a mold of your teeth.
A Night Guard -Who Needs One?
A dentist can examine your teeth and determine if a nightguard is necessary. Having bruxism is not often immediately obvious. Your dentist will examine for indicators such as morning headaches, damaged restorations, and flattened or fractured teeth. These symptoms may also include pain and heightened sensitivity. You may want to get a nightguard if you experience these problems.
You can get a nightguard from your family dentist or pick one up at the pharmacy. Night guards purchased from the pharmacy are subpar because of their potential discomfort and nighttime removal due to teeth grinding. Depending on how bad your teeth grinding is, a dentist can suggest the best night guard for you.
A Night Guard Is Vitally Important
Ignoring the signs of teeth grinding might lead to more expensive dental work down the road. Root canals are one possible consequence of bruxism. Teeth grinding is associated with increased cavity risk due to enamel degradation. Clenching your jaw puts excessive pressure on your jaws and teeth, which can cause discomfort in the jaw and surrounding muscles. Wearing a nightguard is the best defense against these issues. Night guards are a one-time expense that can save you thousands of dollars in dental work throughout your lifetime.
Maintaining Your Nightguards
Maintaining the integrity of your night guard is essential. Given their purpose, nightguards will inevitably become worn. There are, however, measures you may take to ensure they live as long as possible. Always use warm water to wash your night guard and its carrying bag after each use. Keep them out of the reach of youngsters and in a dry container. If you want your dentist to ensure your night guard is still effective, you should bring it with you to each visit.
