Night Mouth Guard in Groveport, OH

It’s no surprise that brushing, flossing, and regular dental exams are all important steps to maintain a healthy smile for life, but cavities and gum disease aren’t the only dental conditions that could put your smile’s wellbeing in jeopardy. Clenching or grinding your teeth is an oral health condition that many people have without even being aware of it. Along with damaging your teeth over time, grinding your teeth can lead to uncomfortable symptoms. Here’s what you should know about treating and preventing teeth grinding before scheduling your next appointment with the friendly team at Walnut Creek Dental.

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What is an Occlusal Guard?

Bruxism is a condition in which a person clenches or grinds their teeth. Many people don’t realize they grind their teeth, especially if it happens while they’re sleeping. For this reason, recognizing the signs of teeth grinding can help prevent damage to your teeth in the long run.

While there’s no known cause of bruxism, certain risk factors can make you more likely to develop the condition. These include:

Stress
Drinking alcohol
Sleep apnea
Smoking cigarettes
Certain medications

Bruxism may not seem like a serious oral health concern, but if left untreated, it can lead to more serious dental complications in the future.

How Does a Night Mouth Guard Work?

Taking steps to reduce stress, drinking alcohol in moderation, and avoiding tobacco may help reduce your bruxism symptoms. When making changes to your lifestyle alone isn’t enough to prevent teeth clenching or grinding, wearing a custom mouthguard can help. Dental guards, also called night guards, provides a cushion between your teeth that protects your enamel from being worn away and puts less pressure on your back teeth, which can reduce jaw pain.

Why Would Somebody Wear a Dental Guard?

If you are experiencing one or more symptoms of bruxism, your dentist may recommend that you wear a custom mouth guard at night. Here are some common indicators that you may be grinding your teeth during the night:

Tooth sensitivity
Interrupted sleep
Waking up with a headache, jaw pain, or ear pain

Benefits of Custom Night Mouth Guards

You don’t have to struggle with tooth sensitivity, poor sleeping habits, or jaw pain forever. Wearing a mouth guard at night can offer many benefits, such as:

Relieving headaches, toothaches, and jaw pain
Preventing your teeth’s enamel from wearing away over time
Making it easier to sleep through the night

Tips to Care for Your Custom Mouth Guard

If you are diagnosed with bruxism, your dentist may recommend that you were a mouth guard while you sleep. To keep your night mouth guard in tip-top shape, keep these tips in mind:

Follow the dentist’s instructions on when and how to wear it
Store it in a case when you’re not wearing it
Rinse it with warm water when you take it out
Don’t eat or drink with it in your mouth

Dental Guard Cost

The cost of your custom mouth guard will depend on your dental insurance plan. For more information on what your dental insurance policy covers, please contact our Groveport dental office.

Walnut Creek Dental: The Best Choice for Custom Mouth Guards in Groveport, OH

If you’re ready to sleep better, reduce your jaw pain, and protect your enamel, wearing a custom mouth guard at night can help. At Walnut Creek Dental, our trusted staff is eager to show you how convenient treating bruxism and maintaining a healthy smile for life can be. Our dentists are proud to offer unparalleled service to each of our patients, no matter what their particular oral health needs may be. Contact us today to learn more about how a mouthguard could benefit you and to schedule your consultation!