Preserve Your Smile with A Night Guard

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Cleveland TMJAs we age, our teeth shift, and begin to wear down. If you are someone who grinds or clenches your teeth this process can be much quicker. In order to preserve your smile, try wearing a thin night guard. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist discusses what a night guard is and how wearing one will maintain a more youthful smile.

What is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a thin BPA-free plastic mouthpiece that fits over the top teeth, most commonly. They can be made of softer or hard material depending on your preferences and your dentist’s recommendations. The guard gives your teeth a comfortable and safe resting place as you sleep so that you are less likely to clench and grind them resulting in damage.

Prevent Damage to Your Teeth

If you have bruxism which is a chronic tooth grinding condition, the mouthpiece will save you money, time, and discomfort. Grinding will eventually lead to wearing away the protective enamel and exposing the more delicate dentin layer. This leads to hot and cold sensitivity and a higher risk of decay. With the constant occlusal forces, we often see the gums beginning to recede leading to root exposure which will also create sensitivity.

Reduce or Prevent TMJ Issues

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder is often associated with bruxism. It relates to damage to a patient’s jaw joints. Patients who experience TMJ may have trouble comfortably biting, finding a comfortable way to relax their jaw, and chewing. They may also feel chronic fatigue in their jaw and facial muscles and popping or clicking sounds when they open and close their mouths. With consistent use of a properly customized night guard, your jaw will have a chance to relax during sleep and you can begin to experience some relief from headaches and jaw pain.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you suspect that you are clenching or grinding your teeth, let us create a custom night guard for you. We will evaluate your unique situation and make the best recommendations to keep your oral health optimized. To schedule an appointment, call our office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234. We also proudly serve the residents of Kingwood, New Caney, Conroe, and all surrounding communities.