If you are constantly feeling under stress at work and at home, visit a night guard dentist. While that may sound like a strange combination, it can save your teeth and prevent headaches. Many people do not realize that when they have stress, the chance of clenching or grinding teeth at night only increases. In times of particularly high stress, people will often wake up with a bad headache or severe face, neck or jaw pain. If this sounds like you, then it is time to visit the dentist.
We will start by examining your teeth to see if there are any signs of teeth grinding. The typical signs of teeth grinding can include the teeth being chipped or worn down as the enamel starts to come off. In extreme cases, it will be possible to visually identify that the patient is grinding the teeth. Minor cases of teeth grinding may only be noticeable to us; during your examination. If we believe that you are grinding or clenching at night, we will recommend wearing a night guard.
As a night guard dentist, we can prevent teeth grinding and the headaches that come with it. We will provide you with a removable oral appliance to wear at night. The process is non-invasive and fairly simplistic. We will begin by making an impression of your teeth to create a custom night guard. It will be made out of soft plastic that surrounds both your upper and lower teeth in a similar fashion to that of a full retainer. The main difference between a retainer and a night guard is that a night guard will prevent your teeth from touching. We will design the night guard in such a way as to hold the teeth in place. By simply wearing the guard at night, your teeth grinding will stop and so will the resulting discomfort.
The benefits of a night guard are instantaneous, and many people report feeling better the next morning after wearing it for the first time. Since it is such a small device, it is entirely portable, you can travel with it or slip it in after the lights go out. There is no bulky chord or machinery to worry about with a night guard, simply a retainer-like device that you slip into your mouth. We recommend that our patients wear it on a regular basis if their symptoms are severe. Those that have intense jaw pain, for example, will benefit best from using the guard every night and will typically notice a difference if they stop for even one day.
If, however, you are experiencing the headaches or jaw pain during stressful times only, you may need to wear the guard during particular seasons of life, rather than every night. If this is the case, you should be able to tell when to wear it based on how you feel upon waking up. At the first sign of a headache or discomfort, you should pull out the night guard and use it again. As a night guard dentist, we will ensure that it fits perfectly so that regardless of whether you wear it nightly or occasionally, you will feel comfortable and be able to sleep without disruption while simultaneously protecting your teeth.
Live in Bryan, TX and have questions about night guards? Give us a call at (979) 710-2216.
When Is a Sports Mouth Guard Recommended? This page explains the different situations in which it is prudent to wear a sports mouth guard.mouth guards are laminate or soft plastic devices placed in the mouth to protect the teeth, gums and tongue during physical activities. The vast majority of NFL players but for Cam Newton…
It is important to repair a chipped tooth promptly to prevent the issue from worsening or symptoms of the chipped tooth from lingering for longer than what is necessary. When seeking prompt care for a chipped tooth, the treatment is often less invasive and more affordable for the patient as well.When visiting a dentist for…
Flossing is a big part of preventive dentistry. It removes plaques, makes teeth less likely to decay and also reduces the risk of gum disease. You need to clean between your teeth every day, according to the American Dental Association. This can be difficult if you do not know what to do. Follow some tips…
Regular preventative dental care is important. It can help you get an early diagnosis of potential cavities, so you can focus on giving those areas more attention. Regular dental cleanings can help remove plaque so there is not the chance of hardened plaque buildup occurring. Preventative dental care from a trusted dentist can save you…
Oral health is important to one’s overall health. A family dentist can provide regular dental checkups, teeth cleanings, and restorative and preventive dental treatments. With such a broad range of services, patients tend to have many questions about family dentistry. In this article, we will answer the most frequently asked questions we hear at our…
Those missing teeth and seeking a way to restore their smile should consider dental implants. Dentists and their patients are discovering the many benefits of this tooth-replacement over other options, such as dentures and bridges. If you are missing one or more teeth like so many adults, dental implants offer a way to restore your…