Dental Night Guards: Protecting Your Teeth from Bruxism

Do you wake up with a sore jaw or a headache?
Do you grind your teeth at night?

If so, you may have a condition known as bruxism, and you may benefit from a dental night guard. In this article, we'll take a closer look at bruxism and dental night guards, and how they can help protect your teeth and improve your quality of life.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition in which a person grinds, gnashes, or clenches their teeth unconsciously, typically during sleep. Bruxism can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, jaw pain, and tooth sensitivity. It can also lead to tooth wear, chipping, and even tooth loss.

What Causes Bruxism?

The exact cause of bruxism is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be related to stress, anxiety, and other psychological factors. Bruxism can also be caused by an abnormal bite, missing or crooked teeth, or sleep disorders.

Bruxism: How is it Recognized?

Usually, a dentist or a sleep expert will diagnose bruxism. To confirm the diagnosis, they will collect medical history, conduct a physical exam, and possibly also recommend an overnight sleep study.

Dental Night Guard: What Is It?

A dental night guard is a plastic appliance that is made to order and worn over the teeth to shield them from the harm caused by clenching and grinding. Usually made of a hard acrylic material, dental night guards are worn over the upper or lower teeth.

How Does a Night Guard for the Teeth Work?

The dental night guard acts as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to stop them from contacting when a person grinds their teeth. As a result, the likelihood of tooth wear, chipping, and other damage is decreased.

How is a Dental Night Guard Made?

Dental night guards are custom-made to fit the individual's teeth. The dentist will take an impression of the patient's teeth and send it to a dental lab where the night guard is fabricated. Once the night guard is finished, the dentist will fit it to the patient's teeth and make any necessary adjustments.

How to Care for Dental Night Guard

Dental night guards should be cleaned regularly with a toothbrush and toothpaste. They should also be stored in a protective case when not in use. Dental night guards should be replaced every three to five years or sooner if they become worn, loose or damaged.

In conclusion, bruxism is a common condition that can cause a range of symptoms and lead to tooth wear, chipping, and even tooth loss. A dental night guard is a custom-made plastic appliance that is worn over the teeth to protect them from the effects of grinding and clenching. At Seattle Dentures Center, we offer customized dental night guards to protect your teeth and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.