606 East 8th Street Port Angeles, WA 98362
Exploring Nightguards In Port Angeles, WA
Nightguards, also referred to as dental guards or mouth guards, are utilized to prevent the adverse consequences of teeth grinding. Typically composed of a sturdy substance called acrylic resin, they can be either soft or hard. Your dentist will advise wearing the nightguard over the upper front teeth during sleep to prevent contact with the lower front teeth.
In instances of intense teeth grinding, a dental guard for the lower teeth may be recommended. Alongside safeguarding the teeth, mouthguards also offer cushioning for the jaw muscles.
Night guards help with bruxism
Bruxism, the habit of grinding teeth, can occur during waking hours or while sleeping. It is often triggered by anger, stress, or anxiety and is typically done without conscious awareness. However, this habit can have negative effects on oral health. Dentists may recommend the use of a nightguard in combination with anxiety treatments such as medication or therapy to safeguard your teeth.
While night guards cannot completely eliminate teeth grinding, they can help prevent damage to fillings, tooth chipping or loosening, and excessive wear of tooth enamel. Additionally, using a nightguard may improve sleep quality and alleviate symptoms associated with bruxism.
Sensitive teeth or tooth pain
Cheek biting
Receding gums
Feeling tired due to sleep interruptions at night
Experiencing jaw muscle discomfort
Temple headaches
Nightguards for TMJ have many benefits
The TMJ, also known as the temporomandibular joints, are essential for the movement of your mouth. Unfortunately, teeth grinding can result in issues with these joints, resulting in TMJ and symptoms like jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and a locked jaw. TMJ can also be caused by inflammation or jaw injuries. Thankfully, wearing nightguards for TMJ during sleep can aid in aligning your jaws properly and reducing muscle tension. Using a nightguard may also provide relief from other TMJ symptoms, such as:
Facial pain or discomfort
Neck and shoulder pain
Severe pain like an earache
Hearing a ringing sound in the ear
Difficulty with eating or talking
Feeling uncomfortable when eating or talking
New patients welcome.
Emergency appointments available for existing patients only.
