Protect Your Smile: Nightguards for Teeth Grinding
Nightguards, also known as dental guards or mouth guards, are designed to protect against the harmful effects of teeth grinding. Made from durable acrylic resin, they can be either soft or hard. The nightguard is typically worn over the upper front teeth during sleep to prevent contact with the lower teeth.
In cases of severe teeth grinding, a guard for the lower teeth may be recommended. In addition to protecting the teeth, mouthguards also provide cushioning for the jaw muscles.
Benefits of Using Night Guards for Bruxism
Bruxism, the unconscious habit of grinding teeth, can occur both during the day and at night. Often triggered by stress, anger, or anxiety, this behavior can significantly impact your oral health. To protect your teeth, dentists in Plant City often recommend using a nightguard, along with stress management treatments like medication or therapy.
While nightguards may not stop grinding entirely, they help prevent damage to fillings, tooth chipping, loosening, and excessive enamel wear. Additionally, wearing a nightguard may enhance sleep quality and reduce the symptoms associated with bruxism.
- Tooth sensitivity or pain
- Biting of the cheeks
- Receding gums
- Fatigue from disrupted sleep
- Facial discomfort from tight or sore jaw muscles
- Tension headaches around the temple
Using Nightguards for Tmj Offers Several Benefits.
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) play a crucial role in the movement of your mouth. However, teeth grinding can lead to TMJ disorders, causing discomfort such as jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and even jaw locking. Inflammation or jaw injuries can also contribute to TMJ issues. Fortunately, wearing nightguards for TMJ can help realign your jaws and alleviate muscle tension. Additionally, nightguards may provide relief from other TMJ symptoms, including:
- Facial pain or discomfort
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Intense discomfort similar to an earache
- Sensation of hearing a ringing sound in the ear
- Challenges with chewing or speaking
- Discomfort while eating or talking