Night Guards in Spokane, WA
Do you grind your teeth (bruxism) at night? If you find yourself waking up with jaw pain, tooth pain, or even headaches, a customized nightguard from Cascade Dental Care could offer you some needed relief. A night guard is a small oral appliance, typically made of plastic, that fits securely around your teeth to prevent the devastating effects of grinding.
A night guard is a trusted solution for protecting against the devastating long-term effects of grinding teeth, including uneven tooth wear, TMJ, painful headaches, and more! Contact our office today to protect your healthy, even smile!
Nightguards, also referred to as dental guards or mouth guards, are utilized to protect against the harmful consequences of teeth grinding. Typically crafted from a sturdy material known as acrylic resin, they come in both soft and hard varieties. Your dentist may suggest wearing the nightguard over your upper front teeth to prevent contact with the lower front teeth during sleep.
If you suffer from intense teeth grinding, your dentist might suggest using a smaller dental guard. These guards not only shield your teeth but also offer support for your jaw muscles.
Benefits of Using Night Guards for Bruxism
Bruxism, the act of grinding teeth, can happen at any time, whether awake or asleep. It is commonly triggered by feelings of anger, stress, or anxiety and is typically done without awareness. Nevertheless, this behavior can negatively impact oral health. Dentists may recommend wearing a nightguard in addition to seeking anxiety management options like medication or therapy to safeguard your teeth.
While night guards may not entirely halt teeth grinding, they can effectively mitigate potential damage such as fillings, tooth chipping or loosening, and excessive wear of enamel. Additionally, employing a night guard can improve sleep quality and alleviate symptoms associated with bruxism.
- Tooth sensitivity or discomfort
- Accidental cheek biting
- Receding gums
- Sleep disruption leading to tiredness
- Facial discomfort from tense jaw muscles
- Headaches related to the temples
Nightguards for TMJ: Unlocking Multiple Benefits.
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are pivotal for mouth movement. Yet, teeth grinding can disrupt these joints, resulting in TMJ issues characterized by jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and jaw locking. Inflammation or jaw injuries can also trigger TMJ. Thankfully, utilizing nightguards for TMJ during sleep can realign jaws and alleviate muscle tension, offering relief from associated symptoms such as:
- Facial pain or discomfort
- Neck and shoulder discomfort
- Severe discomfort resembling an earache
- Perception of hearing a ringing sound in the ear
- Difficulties with chewing or speaking
- Discomfort during eating or conversation