What are night guards?
A night guard is a custom-fitted dental appliance that you wear in your mouth while you’re sleeping.
Crafted from soft plastic, dual-laminate, or acrylic, night guards are built to protect against teeth grinding and intense clenching of the jaw. These conditions can cause serious issues, such as tooth and gum erosion, cracked teeth, and even tooth loss.
What symptoms indicate that I might need a night guard?
When you’re asleep, you might not be aware of grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. Your symptoms might include:
- Jaw pain
- Facial pain
- Worn-down teeth
- Teeth impressions on each side of your tongue
- Morning headaches
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Interior cheek damage
- Exhaustion during the day due to lack of sleep
If you sleep with a partner, they might be able to hear you grind your teeth at night. If they suggest that you’re showing signs of bruxism or temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or if you experience any of the symptoms listed above, schedule an appointment with the team at Dr. Vero’s office right away for a proper diagnosis. They prescribe custom-made night guards for patients to protect their oral health.
How does a night guard work?
A night guard fits directly over your top or bottom teeth. For successful results, you should put it in your mouth every night before you go to sleep.
The barrier between your upper and lower teeth can protect you from:
- Damage to your teeth
- Trauma to your jaw
- Misalignment of your teeth or jaw
- Chronic headaches
Not only does your night guard fit snugly and remain in place, but it’s comfortable to wear.
How do I keep my night guard in good condition?
Your night guard can collect bacteria on it, just like your teeth.
To take care of your night guard, remove it in the morning, and simply brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste under warm water. Then it is ready for you to put back in your mouth before you go to bed.
When you take good care of your night guard, it can last for many years.
To find out if a night guard is right for you, call the office of Fedele C. Vero, DDS and Alexei Bondarev, DDS, today or book your appointment online.
