It’s no secret that we would all opt for a stress-free life if it were up to us. This is because the amount of baggage and discomfort that comes about as a result of stress is often extremely overwhelming. Did you know that stress can affect not only your mental health but also your oral health? For instance, if you or your loved one have been suffering from frequent chronic headaches, occasional jaw pain, and earaches, then you might be suffering from bruxism.
Otherwise known as teeth grinding, bruxism is a dental problem often caused by stress or anxiety. It entails you grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw often in your sleep, resulting in serious side effects, such as those mentioned above. Besides stress, it can also occur as a result of:
- Too much consumption of caffeine or alcohol
- Young age- It is mostly common among young children.
- Various health conditions such as epilepsy.
Luckily, one of the most efficient ways of dealing with bruxism is by investing in a quality custom night guard. Consequently, we at Foote Family Dental Care have taken the time to give you a brief elucidation on everything you need to know about night guards.
What is a Night Guard?
In simple terms, a custom night guard can be defined as a type of mouth guard that is worn at night to protect your teeth and jaws from the damage caused by teeth grinding and jaw clenching- bruxism. Also known as teeth protectors, night guards usually protect your teeth from the usual wear and tear caused by bruxism.
They do this by creating sufficient space between your upper and lower teeth, hence protecting your teeth from adverse side effects such as tooth loss, jaw pain, or broken teeth. Although they don’t entirely make the problem go away, teeth protectors help provide a sufficient shield for your teeth, thus protecting them.
Why Is a Teeth Protector Important?
The fact that they protect your teeth from the serious effects of teeth grinding is enough proof that night guards are indeed very important. Besides your teeth, night guards also help prevent jaw pain and the occasional headaches that occur from teeth grinding.
That said, one of the most significant benefits of night guards is the fact that they protect you from the adverse effects of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This is a severe dental disorder that is caused by teeth grinding, among other things.
Some of the symptoms of TMD include:
• A popping jaw that tends to make clicking sounds.
• Chronic headaches.
• Pain when brushing your teeth or flossing.
Night guards serve as a suitable treatment since they help ease the pressure on your jaw and hence provide a comfortable and effective solution.
Bottom Line
If you are a victim of bruxism, you shouldn’t hesitate to invest in a quality night guard from a quality dental office. Night guards are incredibly comfortable devices that will not only protect your oral health but will also ensure that you get the uninterrupted and peaceful sleep that you deserve.
At Foote Family Dental Care, we offer quality night guards, and in the competent hands of Dr. Richardson-Foote and her equally hospitable staff, you can be sure of nothing but the very best. Book your appointment with us today!
