Night Guards and Mouth Guards are dental appliances that can be recommended for a variety of oral health issues.
A mouthguard is a simple way to protect your teeth from damage or injury. If you play sports or participate in activities where falls and collisions are possible, wearing one can help protect your teeth, gums, and lips. Night guards serve a different purpose. They're designed to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding or clenching while you sleep.
Although they look similar, mouthguards and night guards aren't quite the same. Sports mouthguards come in several varieties, including options you can purchase at a store and custom-made guards fitted by a dentist. Night guards are typically made to fit your individual bite and are often recommended for people who grind their teeth, a condition known as bruxism. They may also be used as part of a treatment plan for certain jaw problems, including temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ/TMD).
At Northside Dental, we'll help you figure out whether a mouthguard or night guard makes sense for your situation. We know that comfort, cost, and convenience all play a role in choosing dental treatment. Our staff will take the time to discuss your symptoms, answer your questions, and explain the available options before recommending a course of action. Call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment, or visit our office at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.
You might not even realize you're grinding your teeth at night until you begin noticing the symptoms. Frequent morning headaches, sore jaw muscles, sensitive teeth, and discomfort when chewing can all be signs of nighttime grinding or clenching. Some people also find that these problems interfere with their sleep. A properly fitted night guard can help prevent additional wear on your teeth and may reduce certain symptoms, although it won't necessarily stop the grinding itself. If you're experiencing ongoing jaw pain or other discomfort, having your dentist examine the problem is a good place to start.
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Are You a Good Candidate for a Night Guard?
If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms just mentioned, contact Northside Dental now to see if a mouth guard or a night guard will help you. While it may be tempting to order a guard online, the best approach for treating your TMJ/TMD or Bruxism is having a guard that is customized to your jaw and teeth and addresses your needs.
Should You Consider a Mouth Guard?
Mouth guards should be used by anyone, of any age, who plays contact sports such as football, basketball, soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, and field hockey. Even if you participate in a noncontact sport, such as gymnastics, or any recreational activity, such as skateboarding or mountain biking, that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth, you will benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.
More Information on TMJ/TMD
TMJ/TMD and Bruxism refer to oral health ailments that can develop in your jaw and face that are usually characterized by having headaches, pain in your jaw, or teeth grinding. If left untreated, these disorders can result in serious damage to the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) connects the temporal bones of your skull to the jaw and is responsible for your jaw being able to move side to side and up and down. When this jaw joint becomes injured or inflamed, symptoms can range from pain, headaches, numbness in the face, ringing in your ears, or a jaw that becomes locked or difficult to open.
TMJ disorders are typically classified into the following three categories:
- Myogenous TMJ problems: The most common type of TMD, Myogenous TMJ disorders involve muscle-related pain and result in discomfort in the temple, jaw, shoulders, or neck. Often treated with Nightguards and BOTOX® treatment.
- Jaw joint-generated pain: This pain is caused by internal derangement of the TMJ, which can be the result of an injury to the condyles, a displaced disc within the TMJ, or a dislocated jaw
- Degenerative joint disease: Caused by other issues like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
The exact cause of TMJ/TMD is unknown, but several potential contributing factors include:
- Injury
- Stress
- Arthritis
- Bruxism
- Dislocation of the Cushioning Disc
- Genetic predisposition
More Information on Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition that is characterized by the clenching, gnashing, or grinding of your teeth. Bruxism can occur while you are awake or while sleeping. If you have sleep bruxism, you may have related issues such as sleep apnea or snoring.
Some common signs of bruxism include the following:
- Headaches
- Jaw Pain
- TMJ/TMD
- Hearing Loss
- Fractures or Loose Teeth
- Worn teeth
The Different Types of Night Guards and Mouth Guards
- A Soft Night Guard- The most common type of night guard for Bruxism and used for mild cases, not for severe teeth grinders. They are the most comfortable fit of all the night guards, the most adaptable and easy to get used to, and lower in cost.
- Dual Laminate Night Guards- This type of night guard for Bruxism is for moderately severe teeth grinders. They are soft on the inside and hard on the outside. They handle heavy clenching and grinding and are longer-lasting.
- Hard Night Guards- These are made from acrylic and are extremely rigid but durable. They can be used for very severe cases of grinding, as well as TMJ. These are the most durable; they prevent your teeth from shifting. These are made from an accurate dental impression, are the thickest option, and are the most uncomfortable.
The Fitting Procedure for your Night Guard or Mouth Guard
Personalizing the fit of your night guard will depend on the brand. Here are examples of night guards for Bruxism:
- One-size-fits-all. There are over-the-counter mouth guards you can buy that will not be custom-fitted. These will work only if you are an occasional teeth grinder.
- Boil and bite. With these, you just boil them in water and bite into them to leave your own impression.
- Made in a lab. You can get mouth guards from Northside Dental. These offer the most accurate fit because they are made with your impression in our lab. We strongly recommend you consider this option.
If you believe you may suffer from Bruxism, it can easily be treated with night guards. It is always best to see us at Northside Dental to see if we can discover the primary cause and address that before seeking other treatment.
Proper Maintenance
It is important to perform regular cleanings of your mouth guard or night guard every evening. First, always wash your hands. Once your hands are clean, you should rinse the guard immediately and then brush the guard using toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Once cleaned properly, place your guard on a clean surface and allow it to dry. Once dry, store your guard in a proper case. It is also important to avoid sugary foods or beverages or smoking while wearing your guards.
Your guards should last you a long time, but they will need to be replaced over time. Be sure to bring your guard with you to your dental appointments so we can inspect it for any significant signs of wear and make sure that it is still fitting properly.
Your Comfort and Your Care
At Northside Dental, we know that finding time for dental appointments can be difficult, especially when you have a busy schedule. We do our best to offer convenient appointment times and make each visit as comfortable and efficient as possible. Whether you're coming in for routine care or a specific dental concern, our team is here to help you get the treatment you need. We want to be a dental office that you and your family can rely on for years to come, and we look forward to welcoming you into our practice. Call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment, or visit us at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.