Night guards are a standard preventative dentistry treatment for managing bruxism, characterized by teeth grinding or clenching during sleep. Night guards are primarily used to protect the teeth and jaw joints from the harmful effects of teeth grinding or clenching. These habits, often occurring during sleep, can lead to dental issues such as tooth wear, chipping, fractures, and jaw pain. Night guards provide a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, cushioning the forces and reducing the impact on the teeth and jaw. At Dental Care of Fremont, night guards are custom-made to precisely fit your mouth and teeth. The dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create a mold, which is used to fabricate a custom night guard. This ensures a comfortable fit and maximum effectiveness in protecting your teeth.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding your teeth at night, possibly loud enough to disturb your sleep partner’s rest. This behavior can stem from stress or anxiety and may accompany temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). If left untreated, tooth wear and damage can result over time due to persistent grinding. Clenching can also lead to jaw pain, headaches, migraines, and earaches. A mouth guard that is worn at night can help prevent this type of damage from taking place.
The Benefits of Night Guards
The most apparent benefit is preventing damage to your teeth due to grinding. This could include chipped or broken enamel, worn-down teeth, and loose fillings. Over the long term, this can result in cavities or even tooth loss if left untreated. However, wearing a night guard can protect your teeth from further damage.
In addition, a night guard can successfully stop teeth grinding. The appliance will keep your jaws resting while you sleep, preventing subconscious movement during your sleep. In turn, you can experience fewer headaches and less tension in your jaw as you wake up.
Another benefit of using a night guard is that it can improve the overall health of your teeth and gums. Protecting them from further damage reduces your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, improving your dental health can also help improve the overall health of your entire body. That’s because your oral health is linked to heart disease and diabetes. By reducing your risk for these issues, you can also reduce your chances of having another medical problem in the future.
If you suffer from the symptoms of bruxism, it’s essential to seek treatment as soon as possible to protect the health of your smile. Visit Dental Care of Fremont at 43195 Mission Blvd # B4, Fremont, CA 94539, or call (510) 651-8479 to learn more about how we can help you find relief from your symptoms with a custom-designed night guard.
