Nightguards are principally used to treat a common dental problem known as bruxism. Bruxism is characterized by the clenching or grinding of teeth, primarily while you sleep – something which can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms as well as damage to your teeth and oral health.
To help you understand more about this condition, here is what you need to know about bruxism and how using night guards can help.
Bruxism is estimated to affect as many as 30% of the popular at any one time. Exactly what causes it can vary between patients, with some of the most common triggers being stress and anxiety, taking certain medications and hyperactivity. People who smoke, drink alcohol or take creational drugs are more likely to experience bruxism. If you suffer from bruxism are likely to also have another sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea or sleepwalking. Although bruxism may sound like a medical issue, it is nearly always diagnosed and treated by dental professionals who understand the repercussions that the condition can have for your teeth and have the resources to prevent you from suffering from any permanent damage.
You may be suffering from bruxism if you experience any of the following symptoms:
You wake up with a stiff, sore jaw
You regularly suffer from lockjaw or jaw pain
You wake with a persistent headache
Your teeth look eroded and are very blunt
You have worn tooth enamel
You have chips or cracks in the tops of your teeth
You have damage to dental veneers
You experience pain that feels like an earache
You have damage to the inside of your cheeks caused by chewing
You have poor quality sleep
If you sleep with a partner, you may also find that they notice you clenching or grinding your teeth. In severe cases, this may keep them awake and put a strain on your relationship.
Although lifestyle changes and a reduction in day to day stress can help to eliminate episodes of bruxism, many patients are given the option of using night guards. Nightguards are dental appliances that are worn through the night and act as a protective barrier, preventing your teeth from coming into contact with one another.
The appearance of a nightguard is not dissimilar to a protective mouth shield that we used in contact sports such as boxing or football. Most are made from plastic or rubber and are custom-designed specifically to fit over your teeth. This ensures that the nightguard is comfortable to wear and doesn’t prevent you from experiencing restful sleep – something which is often the case with generic nightguards, some of which can cause soreness and irritation too. Most nightguards will last for up to 12 months before damage to them caused by you pressing your teeth together causes enough damage to warrant replacement.
If you would like to find out more about nightguards, or if you would like to arrange an appointment to come in and discuss this treatment, please get in touch with our team by calling John K. See, DDS in Camarillo, CA today (805) 920-8600!