Night Guards

Do you ever wake up with an inexplicable headache? How about a sore jaw? Has your partner or a family member heard your teeth grinding in your sleep? Finally, have you noticed small changes in the way that your teeth come together? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions then you might suffer from a condition called “bruxism.”
Your dentist can help you with an actual diagnosis to see if treatment is necessary. Many people think that this condition of grinding teeth is simply caused by stress but in many cases it’s the byproduct of maligned teeth, a missing tooth, or some type of abnormality in your bite. If the condition continues untreated then these problems may worsen and lead to tooth loss, jaw damage, or even hearing loss. You should see your dentist immediately if you think you are at risk.
If your condition is advanced you may be a candidate for crowns, root canals, or even bridges or dentures. It’s likely that if you regularly visit your dentist then you haven’t reached that stage. If you’re in the earlier stages of bruxism then your dentist will probably recommend that you get a night guard for your teeth. There are generally three types of mouth guards:
1. You can get an athletic mouth protector at any sporting goods store. These are not customized for your mouth or teeth. They’re also kind of bulky and awkward and they may inhibit breathing. Basically, they’re better than nothing but they’re hardly an optimal long-term solution.
2. You can get a “boil and bite” night guard at any drug store or most grocery stores. These vary in price but can typically be had for a reasonable amount. You boil them in water and fit them to your teeth by biting down and using your fingers and tongue to adjust. While they’re cheaper than a custom device, they don’t last as long so you’d likely end up spending more than you would with a personal one from your dentist.
3. The best solution for your entire body is a custom night guard from your dentist. They will make an impression of your teeth and then make a guard that accommodates every detail of your bite. It may seem pricey at the time but when compared with the long-term expenses from lesser treatments, a custom device will make sense.
Talk to your dentist soon if you have concerns about the grinding of your teeth!