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Mouth Guard If you've never had issues with jaw pain or headaches but suddenly find them unavoidable, you may be experiencing bruxism. Bruxism is a condition characterized by clenching or grinding your teeth. Bruxism can occur when you're awake (awake bruxism) or while you sleep (sleep bruxism).One of the most common causes of bruxism is stress. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching has become an increasingly prevalent condition. Since sleep bruxism occurs while you're unconscious, it can be difficult to detect, as individuals are unaware that they are grinding or clenching their teeth. While there's no cure for bruxism, wearing a nightguard can help mitigate the damaging effects to your teeth and jaw. At Infinity Dental Care, we provide custom-fitted mouthguards to protect your teeth and oral health. The Difference Between Sportsguards and Night MouthguardsAlthough sports mouthguards and nightguards share similar names, they serve different purposes. A sports mouthguard is designed to protect your teeth and gums from blunt force trauma, while a nightguard is specifically created to prevent teeth clenching and grinding. Wearing a sports mouthguard while sleeping can actually trap bacteria against your gums, as it blocks saliva from reaching them. Saliva plays a crucial role in neutralizing acids that can cause cavities and preventing plaque buildup. Some nightguards are designed with small holes to allow saliva to circulate, ensuring better oral hygiene. To prevent unintended dental damage, it's essential to consult a professional who can recommend the correct nightguard based on your specific dental needs. We can help determine which type of mouthguard you need to protect your teeth and jaw. Prevent Changes to Your BiteMost nightguards are custom-fitted to your teeth and bite to prevent contact between surfaces. In contrast, sports mouthguards are made from a thicker, rubber-like material that doesn't conform to your bite. Because softer materials trick the brain into thinking they are food, you may unconsciously chew on them while sleeping. This can lead to muscle discomfort and premature wear of the material. Over time, using a sports mouthguard instead of a proper nightguard can shift your bite, causing long-term dental issues. While one-size-fits-all mouthguards are available for purchase over-the-counter in most grocery stores, we recommend against them. Because they are not custom-made to the individual, they do not fit properly or offer the right protection. We recommend coming in to see us at Infinity Dental Care so we can create a personalized mouthguard for you. We will create a mold of your teeth, send it off to our lab, and have a personalized mouthguard made that fits your specific teeth and mouth for a snug fit. Seek Professional GuidanceYou may not realize that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, headaches, or tooth sensitivity stem from nighttime teeth grinding until you see a dental professional. Our dentist can diagnose bruxism and recommend a nightguard tailored to your needs. At Infinity Dental Care, we offer a wide range of dental services, including general, restorative, orthodontic, and cosmetic dentistry. Our team will assess whether you need a nightguard and provide treatment for any dental issues you may be experiencing. Call us today at (971) 451-3800 to schedule an appointment. |
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