Night Guards

There are various reasons why we might suggest the use of a night guard, and these dental appliances can offer a non-invasive way to treat dental problems that you might be experiencing. Here are a few reasons why you might need to wear a night guard while you sleep:

Teeth Grinding or Clenching

Some people grind or clench their teeth at night, and these symptoms are usually associated with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder. Do you wake up in the morning with headaches, a sore jaw, or pain in your jaw or neck? It is possible that you are grinding or clenching your teeth, and these symptoms can result in long-term dental problems if you don’t use a night guard while you sleep.

The problem with night grinding or clenching is that it can damage your teeth, cause your teeth to shift, and also cause pain throughout the day. Many times, a person doesn’t realize the force in which they are grinding their teeth while they are asleep, and the force might be so strong that it can crack or damage the teeth that are receiving the most pressure.

Snoring or Sleep Apnea

Snoring is another reason that a night guard might be beneficial, because the guard helps relax the muscles and stop the snoring. If you snore while you are sleeping, it is an indication that you are suffering from a partial blockage that is restricting the airway, and a night guard can move the jaw in the right way to allow the throat to relax.

Choosing the Right Night Guard

Night guards can be bought at your local drug store, but it is important to understand that these guards don’t offer the same benefits that can be gained from a professional night guard. When we fit your mouth for a night guard, the guard is created specifically for your mouth. This process allows the treatment to be catered specifically to your needs in order to obtain the best results.

The goal with a night guard is to create the relaxation that is needed in order to avoid tense muscles while you are sleeping. A professional night guard will move your jaw and mouth into the right position, which naturally relaxes the right muscles while you are asleep.

Non-Invasive Treatments

One of the biggest advantage to a night guard is the fact that this treatment is non-invasive and very effective. You don’t have to worry about major surgery or any other treatment that will impact your mouth or teeth. Often, a night guard will be the first treatment method suggested, and then other options will be explored if the night guard doesn’t fix the problem.

The guard is easy to use because it can be placed in your mouth right before bed. This dental appliance fits over your teeth and moves your jaw to the perfect position during the night.

Caring for Your Night Guard

It is important to maintain proper hygiene habits to protect your night guard. Here are a few suggestions if you wear a night guard:

• Always brush and floss your teeth before putting the night guard in your mouth. These oral hygiene habits prevent the buildup of bacteria under the night guard.
• Use a toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste to clean the night guard before you place it in your mouth and after you wake up in the morning.
• Keep the night guard in the provided protective case to prevent damage and maintain good air circulation.
• If you notice wear on the night guard from grinding or clenching, you should contact us. Occasionally, these dental appliances need to be replaced because of normal wear and tear.

If you’re looking for dental night guards in South Coast Metro, call (714) 979-7277 or contact us today!