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If you are prone to grinding or clenching your teeth, you know how uncomfortable and annoying it can be. Teeth grinding and clenching are often unintentional and, if left untreated, can have a negative effect on your oral health over time. If you’ve been diagnosed with teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, Dr. Seto at Dentistree of Manassas can help you manage your symptoms and prevent damage to your smile with a customized night guard. Before scheduling your free consultation, here’s what you should know about how a dental mouthguard for grinding could benefit you.
What is an Occlusal Guard?
Occlusal guards, also called night guards or mouth guards, are appliances that you wear in your mouth to protect your teeth from recurring teeth clenching or grinding. It’s common for individuals who have been diagnosed with bruxism to not realize they’re clenching their jaw or grinding their teeth, however, there are common signs that could indicate that you do. These include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Experiencing headaches, jaw soreness, or ear pain after sleeping
While no one knows exactly what causes some people to grind their teeth, certain lifestyle factors could make you more likely to experience bruxism, such as:
- Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea
- Stress
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Some medications
How Does a Night Guard Work?
Grinding your teeth on a regular basis can eventually cause your teeth to wear down. Over time, this can lead to several dental concerns, including tooth sensitivity or tooth pain. Night guards can prevent friction and relieve pressure caused by frequent teeth grinding. Additionally, a dental guard can protect your teeth’s enamel by absorbing your jaw pressure.
Why Would Someone Wear a Bruxism Night Guard?
If you’re diagnosed with bruxism, your healthcare provider or dentist will likely recommend that you wear a custom mouth guard while you sleep. Likewise, if you have trouble staying asleep at night, wake up with pain in your head, jaw, or ear, or have sleep apnea, it’s worth asking your dentist if a mouth guard could benefit you.
Night Guard Cost
Your dental insurance plan may cover the cost of your custom mouth guard. To learn more about what your dental insurance includes, please contact our office during business hours.
Benefits of Custom Mouth Guards
Wearing a custom mouth guard for bruxism can provide many benefits to people who grind or clench their teeth, including:
- Helping you sleep better
- Protecting your enamel
- Preventing oral health problems, such as cracked or worn down teeth
- Relieving head, jaw, and/or ear pain
Tips to Care for Your Custom Night Guard
It’s important to keep your night guard in good condition to ensure that it continues to work properly for years to come. Keep these tips in mind to care for your custom mouth guard:
- Wear it as directed by Dr. Seto.
- Don’t consume anything while it’s in your mouth.
- Put it in your storage case when not using it.
- After taking it out of your mouth, be sure to rinse with warm water.
Schedule Your Free Consultation at Dentistree of Manassas
If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms of bruxism, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with Dr. Seto and the friendly team at Dentistree of Manassas can help you protect your smile with a custom mouth guard. By wearing a night time retainer for teeth grinding, you can relieve jaw pain and headaches while preventing oral health problems caused by frequent teeth grinding and clenching. We are proud to provide the best in professional dental care in Manassas VA, use quality materials, and treat our patients in a comfortable setting. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment!