Teeth grinding or bruxism is a prevalent condition that many individuals unknowingly experience. This unconscious behaviour, which predominantly occurs at night while asleep, can result in a myriad of dental problems like wear on the teeth, fractures, and pain in the jaw. If not treated, bruxism will ruin the structure of your teeth and your general oral health. This is why acquiring a night guard in LaSalle is worth exploring in order to keep your teeth safe at night and help you eventual damage and discomfort.
Understanding Bruxism and Its Effects
Bruxism can occur from many causes, including stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and even teeth that are not well aligned. The irritating quality of the grinding and clenching of teeth can produce:
- Tooth Damage: The constant friction wears down the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.
- Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders: Prolonged grinding can strain the jaw muscles and joints, leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Frequent Headaches: The majority of individuals with bruxism have tension headaches when waking because of muscle tension.
- Sleep Disruptions: The forceful grinding motion can interrupt sleep patterns, affecting overall rest and well-being.
How Night Guards Help Protect Your Teeth
A night guard is a type of dental appliance that is fitted by a dentist to grind your teeth and prevent them from coming into contact with the other arch. This way, it keeps the contact from direct and minimizes the damage that it can bring. The following are the main advantages of wearing a nightguard:
- Preserving Enamel: Night guards prevent excessive wear and tear on the teeth, keeping the enamel intact.
- Reducing Jaw Strain: Night guards are used to cushion the teeth and relieve tension and jaw pain when they are worn.
- Preventing TMJ Disorders: Using a night guard consistently can reduce the chances of developing TMJ issues.
If you are seeking night guards near you, an appointment with a dentist will aid you in making the right decision appropriate for you.
Choosing the Right Night Guard for Teeth
Getting the perfect nightguard will also be the deciding factor; all of them are not the same.
- Over-the-Counter Night Guards: Though easy to get, they may not be the right fit for you, which may be uncomfortable.
- Custom-Fitted Night Guards: These are professionally designed by a dentist and offer a precise fit to your bite, offering maximum protection and comfort.
Buying a night guard for your teeth will save them from constant grinding damage and will keep you from having to spend more money on expensive dental procedures in the future.
How to Care for Your Night Guard
It is very important to maintain your night guard properly to increase its lifespan and performance. The most important care tips:
- Clean Daily: Rinse your night guard with cool water and brush it with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Store Properly: Keep the night guard in a ventilated case when not in use to prevent bacterial buildup.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist periodically to ensure the night guard remains in good condition and fits correctly.
The night guard could be ineffective because of bacterial growth and possibly material deterioration due to poor cleaning.
Protect Your Smile with Expert Dental Care
Protecting your teeth from the long-term effects of bruxism is as easy as using a night guard. If you often wake up with sore jaws, and headaches, or if you notice any signs of enamel wear, then it might be time to think about this protective solution.
At MC Dental, we are committed to assisting our patients to obtain the healthiest smile possible. Our dentist in LaSalle offers night guards that are personalized to each patient to help prevent tooth damage and guarantee a comfortable night’s sleep. If you want to prevent your bruxism from affecting your teeth further, visit MC Dental for a consultation today and start your journey to maintaining a healthy smile for the future.