It is estimated that up to 15% of all adults in America grind their teeth in their sleep, and a great many more do it throughout the day in reaction to anger or intense emotion. Teeth grinding, or bruxism can cause a lot of damage to your teeth. Wearing them down prematurely, causing cracks or fractures, and putting undue pressure on your gums it all leads to poor oral health.
At Dental Care of Plano, we recommend wearing a night guard, or bite guard, to protect your teeth against unintentional bruxism.
Do I Grind My Teeth at Night?
Have you ever woken up in the morning with:
- Pain in the jaw?
- A headache?
- Toothaches?
- A locked or stiff jaw?
If you have had any of these symptoms first thing in the morning, it is very likely that you were grinding your teeth in the night.
How Bite Guards Work
A night guard, or bite guard, is a form-fitting tray, usually made of a thin, flexible material, that is worn over your teeth when you typically grind them. It creates a barrier that stops teeth from rubbing together, and can eventually train you to stop grinding your teeth at all. While night guards are worn at night, bite guards may be used at any point during your day or night.
Why Contact Us for a Night Guard?
There are many types of bite guards available at any standard sporting goods store. But a bite guard prescribed by us is different. When you choose a professional dentist for your night guard, the guard will be custom made to fit your teeth. This makes it more comfortable and more effective.
Ready to learn more, or get your custom bite guard started? Contact our office at Dental Care of Plano today.