What would someone who grinds their teeth need a night guard? Teeth grinding while sleeping affects many Americans, and it can cause severe damage to teeth and lead to various other oral health complications. Fortunately, there are treatment methods available, including the use of a night guard, which protects the teeth and can even prevent grinding altogether.
By having a clear idea as to how a night guard works and the benefits of wearing one, you can determine whether it is an appropriate treatment method for you. The following is everything to know about a night guard, including what it is exactly and when you should consider visiting the dentist to have one customized for you.
The effects of teeth grinding can be fairly serious, especially if the early signs are not noticed and treated. When teeth grinding continues for an extended amount of time, the teeth can begin to wear down or chip, leading to a less-than-ideal cosmetic appearance, increased tooth sensitivity and severe jaw pain. Any time that symptoms of teeth grinding exist, it is important to schedule a visit to the dentist to determine whether teeth grinding is an issue and to receive a night guard if it is indeed taking place.
The exact cause of teeth grinding can be difficult to pinpoint, but there are certain factors that can put people at an increased risk, including but not limited to the following:
There are a wide variety of reasons someone may grind their teeth, and a dentist is likely to consider these factors when determining the underlying cause. It is also important to note that teeth grinding occurs more often in children, so it is important for parents to check for signs of teeth grinding.
If any of the symptoms of teeth grinding are present, especially if the person also falls under any of the aforementioned risk factors, then it is encouraged to visit the dentist to find out if a night guard is appropriate. It can be hard to notice the signs of teeth grinding naturally, as the issue occurs most often while the person is asleep, so it is important to check for signs during one’s daily oral care routine. Anytime that the teeth appear to be worn down by other teeth, excessive jaw pain exists or teeth randomly become chipped, cracked or loose, then a night guard may be needed.
If you grind your teeth at night or are unsure if you do and want an official diagnosis, schedule a time to come in for an initial visit. Here at our dentist office, we can conduct a thorough oral examination to determine if teeth grinding is an issue and help treat and prevent the issue moving forward through the use of a customized night guard.
Are you considering a night guard in the Red Bluff area? Get more night guard information at https://www.drelloway.com.
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