Choosing a Night Guard for Bruxism
Many different disorders and afflictions can cause issues for your oral health. Impacted wisdom teeth, alignment issues, and, of course, the ever-present concern of cavities and gingivitis, the list goes on. But there’s perhaps no dental problem that gets less attention than that of bruxism. More commonly known as jaw clenching and teeth grinding during sleep, this disorder can have serious implications on not only your oral health but also your overall quality of life. That’s why investing in a custom night guard is so important.
These protective devices mitigate the pervasive impact of bruxism and help prevent the development of more serious mouth and jaw issues down the road. Bruxism causes excessive wear and tear on tooth enamel and structure, increasing sensitivity and the likelihood of cavities. But that’s not the extent of the issue. The temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the rest of the skull, can be significantly damaged by consistent grinding during sleep. This leads to issues like TMJ dysfunction, a disorder that has ramifications far beyond oral health. That’s why night mouth guards are so important.
But then there’s the problem of finding the right dental professional to create the guard. Here’s everything you need to know to help inform this crucial decision.
Which Night Guard for Bruxism is Right for You?
The right choice for your custom night guard will depend on the nature of your bruxism itself. Some people have consistent moderate grinding throughout the night, while others have a more aggressive, dangerous form. Teeth, spacing, placement, and even jaw alignment can all factor into the severity of this affliction, so it’s important to consult with a dental professional about the best next steps.
Customizable night mouth guards can be made out of a variety of different synthetic materials. Some of these are more soft and comfortable, while others are made from a harder material that can withstand the grinding over a long period of time.
The next consideration is where to place your guard. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, the ideal placement will be decided through recommendations from your dental professional and your personal preference. A night guard from bruxism can be placed on the upper or lower row of teeth to perform its harm-reducing function.
Many dentists recommend placing it on the upper row because it is generally more comfortable and does not block the tongue as much as lower ones. However, this can trigger a gag reflex, and a lower guard may be preferable in such cases.
At the end of the day, contacting Markham 7 Dental is the best way to ensure that you get a custom night guard that is right for you!
