Do you grind or clench your teeth at night? It is a troubling issue that many individuals suffer with. It’s not only annoying, but it could actually result in serious dental in addition to wider health issues. Your dentist may recommend using an evening guard to deal with this issue. The next are some reasons you must consider wearing an evening guard.
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What Are Night Guards?
Night guards are therapeutic devices which can be placed within the mouth at night. There are a selection of options available in the marketplace, from custom night guards and over-the-counter to boil and bite.
Getting Fit For a Night Guard
For those who need a custom night guard for clenching, we recommend that you just see your dentist before exploring your options. You possibly can either undergo your dentist to get a custom night guard or go for a cheaper option by purchasing from a direct-to-consumer dental lab online. Each processes require getting impressions of your teeth. The impression is then sent to a lab and a customized night guard is ready. The device might be made out of acrylic, silicone or other materials.
Night Guards You Can Buy in Stores or Online
There are several ways to purchase night guards over-the-counter or online.
- Stock: These are worn right out of the box, and no adjustments of any kind have been made to them.
- Boil and Bite: The fabric is boiled and you then insert it to the form of the teeth. Although these are somewhat customized, the end-product won’t fit the user’s mouth as perfectly as a custom-fit night guard that’s made by a dental lab.
- At-Home Impression Kit: You’re taking the impression yourself and send it to a lab.
Sports Mouth Guards vs Night Guards
Sports mouth guards and night guards are similar in appearance but have distinct purposes. Mouth guards are worn by athletes to avoid any injuries to the teeth and jaw. What they do, in essence, is shield your mouth from impact. They’re commonly utilized in sports resembling boxing, hockey, rugby and gymnastics.
Night guards are worn when you sleep so that you just don’t clench or grind your teeth. These are considerably lighter and never as bulky as sports guards. Wearing a sports mouth guard at night could cause negative effects resembling sleeping disorders, facial pain, and modification of your bite.
Benefits of Night Guards
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Treats and Prevents TMD
Many individuals suffer from TMD or temporomandibular disorders. Common symptoms of TMD include jaw and facial pain, locking of the jaw, and even pain in other areas resembling the ears or head. TMD has many causes however it’s often made worse by tension and teeth grinding. Using an evening guard often helps to alleviate symptoms.
Helps You Sleep Higher
Getting enough sleep is a vital aspect of your overall health. Issues resembling teeth clenching within the night can interfere together with your sleep. If you might have a disorder resembling sleep apnea, chances are you’ll feel drained through the day as a consequence of a scarcity of quality rest.
An evening guard doesn’t necessarily cure every style of insomnia, but it could actually improve sleep quality. It reduces clenching and grinding, allowing the jaw muscles to loosen up. This may allow you to sleep more soundly through the night.
Helps Prevent Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Each snoring and sleep apnea can result in serious health problems resembling heart disease. Snoring is commonly dismissed as a minor annoyance, especially to others sleeping nearby. Nonetheless, in the event you snore repeatedly, it suggests an obstruction in your respiration that might be serious.
In sleep apnea, respiration starts and stops irregularly. There are home tests to diagnose sleep apnea. Night guards help to free the airwaves when you’re sleeping, making it easier to breathe. It’s vital to hunt medical advice if you might have sleep apnea or snore repeatedly. While night guards may also help, some cases may require additional treatments.
Prevent Future Dental Issues
Grinding your teeth night after night could cause chipped and broken teeth, damaged fillings, and the corrosion of teeth. Damaged teeth affect your appearance, comfort, and talent to chew. Additionally they result in expensive dental problems down the road. Using an evening guard may also help prevent this sort of distress.
Tricks to Get the Most From Night Guards
If you need to gain the utmost profit from night guards, keep these guidelines in mind.
- Use custom-fit night guards, as a substitute of boil and bite or non-custom options. Except for being sure it would fit properly, it’s at all times best to get knowledgeable opinion before buying any sort of therapeutic device.
- Give yourself a probability to get accustomed to an evening guard. Putting an object in your mouth overnight feels unnatural. For those who find it awkward at first, give it a probability. It could take a number of nights to get accustomed to it.
- Put the night guard in your mouth about half an hour before going to bed. It will give your mouth time to regulate.
- Keep your night guard clean. Rinse it with water every morning after you are taking it out. Then give it a cleansing with a toothbrush. Keep it in a dry place through the day. Never soak it in liquid.
- Visit the dentist repeatedly. Visiting a dentist every 6 months is very important for maintaining your dental health. Your dentist can track your progress and ensure the night guard you’re using matches properly and is doing its job. The dentist will even let you know when it’s time to interchange the night guard.
Night Guards: A Easy Approach to Improve Your Health
Tens of millions of individuals have benefited by utilizing these easy but powerful dental devices. Opening your airways when you sleep not only protects your teeth but may also improve your overall health. You might sleep more soundly and stop potentially dangerous conditions resembling sleep apnea. For those who aren’t sure if an evening guard is true for you, ask your dentist.
Creator’s Bio:
Aaron Smith is an LA-based content strategist and consultant in support of STEM firms and medical practices. He’s an advocate for dental care and is a real believer in custom night guards to assist with various dental concerns.
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