Night Guard A night guard, also known as an occlusal guard, bite guard, or bite splint, is a removable dental appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth and jaws from damage caused by teeth grinding (bruxism). It can be custom-made by a dentist or purchased over-the-counter.Benefits of a NightguardIf you grind and clench, nightguards can help in different ways. Since teeth grinding occurs subconsciously, you may not know it is happening, especially if you are asleep. As such, you expose your teeth to increased enamel erosion, which in turn, leads to over-sensitivity. Erosion of the enamel makes your teeth susceptible to decay and if the decay continues, it can lead to infection. Additionally, teeth grinding damages the teeth by fracturing the healthy ones and wearing out existing fillings. Although the tooth surface can withstand the pressure from chewing and biting, with the additional pressure from grinding and clenching, damages are likely to occur such as cracks or fractures. You may experience excruciating pain due to tooth fractures. Wearing a nightguard helps prevent these kinds of tooth damage. In addition, night mouthguards help prevent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The pressure you apply to your TMJ as you clench your teeth can cause misalignment, leading to a TMJ dysfunction (TMD). You may, as a result, have difficulties chewing and develop pain around or in your ears, or even have headaches. If the pressure damages the articular disk, it can lead to unexpected jaw locking, open or closed, hence prompting an ER trip. A nightguard helps prevent TMJ disorder by easing any tension occurring in the muscles. How do you Choose Your Nightguard?Because a nightguard may be worn on the bottom arch or top arch of teeth, you may wonder which one can offer optimal protection against teeth grinding. When choosing your nightguard, look at its comfort level. You will likely not wear a nightguard if it is uncomfortable. If you need a night mouthguard, come to our Monroe Smiles. Contact us at (360) 467-6386 for an appointment. |
Contact Information14650 N. Kelsey St. Ste. 104-105 Monroe, WA 98272-1456 (360) 467-6386 drj@jljdds.com Office HoursMonday - Friday: 7:00am-6:00pm Follow Us |
