How Night Guards Can Protect Your Teeth

Though many, including our very own Orange Park dentist, Dr. Marino, offer night guards, not everyone takes advantage of them. Even in cases where some level of protection is needed to prevent the worsening of teeth grinding and the costly damage that can result because of the habit. To help inform our patients, we’re here to talk all about this useful dental appliance.

Here’s an overview of how a custom night guard works and a few signs that indicatethat it’s time for your very own.

A Closer Look at Bruxism and TMJ Disorders

Experienced by many worldwide, bruxism is a common condition in which you grind and clench your teeth excessively. It can happen during the day or at night and oftentimes goes unnoticed by the affected individual.

Both adults and children can experience bruxism. Fortunately, most cases are easily treated with dental appliances, like a night guard. More often than not, bruxism results from high levels of stress, anxiety, or an abnormal bite.

Temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, disorders can also play into an individual’s need for a night guard. Think of your temporomandibular joint as a sliding hinge that connects the jawbone to your skull. When there is compromised or dysfunctional movement of the jaw joint, pain can occur in the facial muscles.

Dr. Marino will have to evaluate your teeth and jaw for obvious signs of bruxism and TMJ disorder. If tooth wear is found and facial pain is reported after waking, a night guard will be created.

Red Flags That Indicate an Issue

Any sign of bruxism or a TMJ disorder should be relayed to Dr. Marino. If left untreated, the long-term existence of either condition can result in possible loss of teeth, enamel, and more.

Bruxism may be the culprit if you’re experiencing:

• Dull headaches after waking up
• Jaw, neck, or face soreness
• Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose
• Fatigue caused by lack of sleep
• Worn tooth enamel
• Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
• Tired or tight jaw muscles

If your grinding or clenching do result in damage to your teeth, Dr. Marino may discuss the need for restorative procedures like dental crowns or dental implants.

How a Night Guard Functions

Night guards help protect your teeth and gums from the effects of constant grinding and clenching. They do this by acting as a barrier between your top and bottom teeth. Because the teeth can’t touch when the night guard is in place, excessive force and wear on your teeth is prevented.

The night guard also gives the muscles in the jaw a cushioning effect if you do try to clench your teeth. Its presence lightens the tension put on the jaw and prevents pain in the area as well as tooth enamel loss.

Custom night guards made by Dr. Marino differ significantly from over-the-counter options. Firstly, night guards created by a professional are tailored to fit your mouth precisely, offering superior comfort and protection. Secondly, they are crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and effectiveness in preventing teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

We advise against over-the-counter or store-bought night guards that often require

boiling and molding at home. This can result in a poor fit and discomfort as the rubbery

material can cause irritation of the TMJ. We encourage you to invest in a custom hard

acrylic night guard from our Orange Park, FL, dental office for your oral health.

Join the Fight Against Bruxism

Are you interested in getting fitted for a night guard? Our dentist serving Orange Park and Greater Jacksonville, FL, would be happy to help! Call Marino Family Dentistry today at (904) 269-2185 to request an appointment and we can go from there.