Mouthguard
Dentist Gresham, OR
 Because of the way our sleep cycles work, you are most likely to grind your teeth when you sleep. That is why mouthguards have become so popular in treating bruxism and helping people stop grinding their teeth at night. In order to understand how these mouthguards can help, it is important to understand what causes the grinding and clenching in the first place. Gresham Dental Excellence can help you know if you have bruxism, and if you have, they will provide you with a comfortable mouthguard to use.
What Causes Bruxism?
People with bruxism grind their teeth and clench their jaws for various reasons. Stress is one. But things like anxiety, mouth injuries, gum disease, or sleep problems can also contribute to it. What causes bruxism is not always clear, so it can be tricky to figure out how to treat it. That is why talking to the dentist is an essential first step in dealing with any teeth grinding issues you might have. Dr. Cooke will want to do some tests and take x-rays before determining if there is a problem and which kind of treatment might be right for you.
How Do I Know if I Have Bruxism?
If you find yourself waking up in pain and with sore or swollen gums, you might have bruxism. This is a condition that affects more than three million Americans, according to recent studies. More than 80 percent of those affected are not even aware they have a problem. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to further dental problems and interfere with your daily life, making it difficult to speak clearly or eat properly. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with us right away at Gresham Dental Excellence so you can get started on treatment immediately. Your mouthguard should be worn at night only. There is no need for protection during waking hours as long as you are not grinding your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Mouthguards
Night mouthguards come in three varieties: custom-made night guards, hard night guards, and over-the-counter guards. Custom night guards are the most popular and common mouthguards since they provide a personalized option. They are created from a mold of your teeth. Our dentist will create a night mouthguard for you using expert processes and materials. As a result, these guards are more long-lasting, comfortable, and customized.
Hard night guards are manufactured using acrylic materials; hence they are long-lasting and sturdy. They are suitable for people with excessive teeth clenching and grinding and TMJ because they help treat these disorders. These mouthguards also assist your jaw muscles in relaxing by preventing teeth from moving.
On the other hand, over-the-counter guards are normally ready-made and fit in any mouth. They're available in a variety of forms, including boil-and-bite night guards, which you soften with hot water for a custom fit.
Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard
A night mouthguard works by ensuring your lower and upper teeth are apart so that you do not grind your teeth. It is usually used on the bottom or the upper set of your teeth, but it is advisable to use it on the side where you have no missing teeth or dental problems. The mouthguard will ease the pressure caused by teeth grinding at night, which will help protect your teeth. It will ensure you no longer suffer from headaches, jaw pain or TMJ, or tooth fracture.
Helps Protect Your Teeth from Bruxism
Dental night guards are essential for those people suffering from teeth grinding or bruxism. This is because it can help reduce teeth clenching and improve oral health. Bruxism is a problem affecting a lot of people. According to the Washington Post, 50% of children have these issues, and 60% of adults also have some form of jaw contraction when they sleep.
This problem can be addressed by using a night mouthguard to help safeguard your teeth and jaw from constant pressure caused by teeth clenching.
Protects from Gum Disease
Teeth grinding is always associated with gum infections. When you constantly grind your teeth, small pockets are formed across your gum line. The pockets then host bacteria which spread and cause gum infection and tooth decay. By using a night mouthguard, you will prevent this from happening.
Helps Treat Sleep Apnea
Apart from that, night mouthguards prevent sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where your airflow or breathing is interrupted, causing you to snore. Sleep apnea is also associated with teeth infections as it creates a dry mouth, allowing bacteria to eat away your tooth enamel. Thankfully, sleeping mouthguards can help manage the condition and ensure you do not suffer from dental diseases.
How to Choose the Right Mouthguard
When choosing a night mouthguard, you should ensure it is comfortable. The best way to ensure you have a comfortable night guard is to talk to our dentist to get a custom-made night guard. Our dentist will ensure they check your dental condition first before issuing a night mouthguard.
Proper Care and Maintenance
Caring for your night mouthguard should not be challenging because it requires only a few steps to ensure you will not contact any oral infections. Night mouthguards need to be cleaned by brushing and stored in a clean, dry place. This ensures that all the bacteria in your night guard have been eliminated. Also, use a case to keep your mouthguard safe as it crack or break if it is dropped.
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Mouthguards
If you are looking for a comfortable mouthguard to use at night, we welcome you to our Gresham Dental Excellence clinic. Our experts will help you get the right custom-fit mouthguard and give you more tips on how to care for your teeth. While over-the-counter night guards are available at pharmacies and grocery stores, these one-size-fits-all mouthguards are not generally recommended as they do not fit securely.
For more information about mouthguards and bruxism, visit our dental clinic Gresham Dental Excellence. You can also call us at (971) 431-7292 to address your concerns. |
