Night Guards & Occlusal Guards in Henderson, NV

Many people complain about bruxism or teeth grinding and clenching. The problem can be painful and cause damage to the teeth. Night Guards are an effective solution to treat the concern if you are constantly bothered about clenching or grinding your teeth at night.

Different types of night guards are available in the market. Choose one after a consultation with your dentist and get rid of the problem in no time.

What are the Causes and Symptoms of Bruxism?

Bruxism has become fairly common among people of all ages. Sometimes, they are not even aware of the problem; therefore, it is essential to understand its symptoms. The symptoms of bruxism include:

• Waking up with a dull headache.
• Grinding of the teeth.
• Soreness in the jaw.
• Pain in the facial muscles.
• Fatigue due to a lack of sleep.

Occasional grinding of teeth may not lead to the real problem, but if it remains consistent, it may result in the loss of tooth enamel, TMJ disorder, lockjaw, etc.

The exact cause of teeth grinding is unknown. However, according to many dentists, anxiety and stress have the most significant role to play here. Other reasons that may lead to bruxism include excessive use of caffeine and alcohol, smoking, snoring, sleep apnea, taking abnormal bites, etc.

How Do Night Guards Help in Treating Bruxism?

Bruxism can be treated by wearing a nightguard while sleeping. Also known as dental guards, they establish a barrier between the teeth. When you clench the jaw, a nightguard helps release the tension, thereby giving a cushion to the muscle in the jaw. This cushioning prevents pain in the jaw and also protects the enamel.

Customized Night Guard

You can buy nightguards after the prescription from your dentist. Different types of night guards are sold over the counter. However, getting a customized nightguard from your dentist is the best option as it offers a perfect fit and provides excellent protection to the teeth. Also, choosing a one-size-fits-all or boil-and-bite night guard could affect your natural bite and disrupt it. This isn’t the case with a customized night guard that we provide.

How to Care for the Night Guard?

When you buy and use a nightguard, it is essential to care for the same so that it doesn't warp or lose its shape. Clean your night guard using a soft-bristle toothbrush after taking it off. Proper cleaning removes food debris, saliva, as well as microbes. Do not chew on your night guard as it may affect its overall fitting.

Please reach out to our dental practice in Henderson, NV, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Christensen. Please call us at (702) 331-2121 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.