Dental night guards are coverings that protect the teeth of individuals with certain habits or ailments that exert a negative impact on their teeth. At Berthoud Dental Care, we are happy to offer a solution for issues that may damage the teeth and require a dental night guard.

Bruxism

Bruxism is a relatively common condition that involves the repeated clenching or grinding of teeth, especially during the evening or while sleeping. Bruxism can be caused by anxiety, tension, or stress; it may also be the result of chewing motions in the sleep. Individuals who smoke, drink alcohol excessively, or consume caffeine prior to bedtime are more prone to bruxism. Snorers and those with sleep apnea suffer with higher-than-normal rates of bruxism, as well.

Individuals who grind their teeth while sleeping can experience symptoms such as tightness in the jaw muscles, facial pain, facial swelling, and tooth pain. As the condition progresses, potentially significant damage can occur in the jaw and teeth, which may necessitate dental or medical intervention.

The Solution

Oral care professionals recommend dental night guards as a means of either stopping the grinding or preventing the risk of tooth or jaw injury. Dentists typically recommend that patients with bruxism wear a custom-fitted product. Created in a dental laboratory using special materials and designed for a custom fit, these are far superior to standard store-bought products. To have a custom night guard created, your dentist will obtain an impression of your teeth, mouth, and jawline so that a custom device can be created.

Caring for A Dental Night Guard

Custom-fitted dental night guards require a significant degree of care. For long-lasting use, the products must be washed frequently in cool water and soap, cannot be exposed to warmth of any kind, and must be examined routinely. The slightest tear or hole could render the structure ineffective. As a rule, oral care professionals recommend having the guard examined by one’s dentist during each visit.