When a Night Guard Is Recommended by Dentists
Your dentist may recommend a night guard for you if you are having pain you cannot relieve. Many things can cause painful headaches and jaws. Stress is the most common one. Wearing this dental appliance can relieve your discomfort. If you want to know when your dentist may recommend a night guard, here are the details.
Dental damage prevention
Bruxism or teeth grinding often happens when the person has no control. This event causes enamel erosion, which leads to sensitivity. The person then experiences pain when consuming hot and cold drinks or foods. Weakened enamel gives teeth very little protection. This makes teeth vulnerable to tooth decay and dental infections.
Teeth grinding also causes dental fractures. It also weakens dental fillings. The fractures need immediate treatment. Fillings, crowns, and root canals are common treatments for them. Yet, some cases need a dental extraction. Wearing a night guard can protect teeth from dental damage.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder prevention
The TMJ connects the lower jaw to the skull. Clenching teeth while sleeping puts pressure on the TMJ. This causes misalignment and TMJ dysfunction. This condition causes headaches, difficulty chewing, and ear pain. It can even lock the jaws open or close. A night guard can disperse the pressure and remove the pressure on the TMJ.
Chronic headache prevention
An individual may be experiencing bruxism during sleep if there are headaches and neckaches. The TMJ disorder often announces itself through terrible migraines. Tension in the shoulders, mouth, jaw, and neck cause the head pain. The dentist will check the teeth to confirm bruxism.
The teeth would look flattened. This shows the patient’s constant teeth grinding. There will also be gum recession. A night guard can protect the patient from headaches by relieving the pressure on the TMJ.
Plaque prevention
Wearing a sports mouth guard is not the same as wearing a night guard. A mouth guard covers the teeth and gums. This prevents saliva from reaching teeth and gums. This then encourages bacteria to do more damage.
A night guard has holes. This allows saliva to reach the teeth and gums. Saliva washes away food particles and neutralizes bacterial acids. It battles plaque while protecting teeth during teeth grinding.
Bite change prevention
A custom-fit night guard fits around the teeth without any problem. Its aim is to protect the upper and lower dental arches from rubbing against each other. A sports mouth guard is not healthy to wear while sleeping. It triggers chewing because the brain senses it as food. This can cause more discomfort. It will also shift the bite over time.
Wearing a night guard can improve your dental health
Protecting teeth and dispersing pressure are important when you have bruxism. This is an event in which you do not have any control. The only thing you can do is wear a night guard. Getting a custom-fit one from your dentist will be helpful to your oral health.
Are you considering getting a night guard in the Miami area? Get more information at https://miamidentalgroup.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Night Guards in Miami, FL.
Related Posts
A confident and bright smile can be a compelling asset. Cosmetic dentists offer a variety of services that can help you achieve it. If you have been considering enhancing your smile but are unsure if it is the right time, here are five signs that you should consider scheduling a consultation.One of the most common…
Endodontics treatment, which is the treatment of the tooth's inner pulp and structures, is one of the most efficient ways to save decaying or damaged teeth. Many individuals, however, get anxious when they learn they need it. This is mostly due to the widespread misconception that undergoing endodontic treatment is unpleasant. It is incorrect —…
A cosmetic dentist is a professional who focuses on the elements that make a smile beautiful and aesthetically appealing. While every cosmetic dentist is different, many offer a general baseline of services for patients based on popularity. Let us review the most common services that you can expect if you visit a cosmetic dentist.Cosmetic dentists…
Wondering about your cosmetic dentistry options? Read on to learn more. An appealing smile makes an individual feel good about themselves and can build a sense of self-image. One way to get that dream smile is to visit a general dentist. Many of these dental health professionals offer diverse solutions such as whitening and veneers…