NIGHT GUARDS

Grinding your teeth at night, also known as bruxism, can have serious repercussions for your overall oral health. A night guard from our dentists can help protect your teeth from grinding. Contact Ghotanian Dental at today to set up your appointment with Rene Ghotanian, DDS MSc and Tina Ghotanian D.D.S. and learn more. We are excited to keep your smile safe.

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A night guard is a special type of mouth guard that is used to treat bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching. If our dentists or team suspect that you suffer from bruxism, we may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth from damage and prevent teeth grinding while you sleep. Many people who suffer from bruxism are unaware of the condition because it occurs while they sleep. Common signs of nighttime teeth clenching and grinding include:

• Chronic jaw pain, facial pain and ear pain

• Awakening with a tired or tight feeling in the jaw

• Frequent tension headaches and migraines

• Excessive tooth wear, leading to chipped, flattened, cracked or very worn teeth

• Extremely worn tooth enamel, exposing the inner layers of the tooth

• Indentations on the side of the tongue

• Increased tooth sensitivity

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What is teeth grinding?

Teeth grinding is the act of clenching or grinding your teeth, often unconsciously. It can occur during the day or night, but nighttime teeth grinding is more common and often goes unnoticed.

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Causes of teeth grinding

The exact causes of teeth grinding are not fully understood, but some factors that can contribute to the condition include stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and an abnormal bite.

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Effects of teeth grinding on dental health

Teeth grinding can have a negative impact on your dental health. The constant grinding and clenching can wear down tooth enamel, cause tooth sensitivity, and even crack or chip teeth. It can also lead to jaw pain, headaches, and other discomforts.

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Benefits of a mouth guard for teeth grinding

A mouth guard, also known as a night guard, is a dental appliance that can be worn to protect your teeth from the effects of teeth grinding. Here are some of the benefits of using a mouth guard:

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Protects teeth from damage

A mouth guard provides a cushioning effect that helps to absorb the impact of teeth grinding. This can help to prevent tooth damage, such as cracks, chips, and wearing down of the enamel.

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Reduces jaw pain and headaches

Teeth grinding can cause muscle tension in the jaw, leading to pain and discomfort. A mouth guard can help to reduce this tension and alleviate jaw pain and headaches.

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Improves sleep quality

Teeth grinding can interfere with sleep quality, both for the person grinding their teeth and their partner. A mouth guard can help to reduce the noise of teeth grinding, allowing for a more peaceful sleep.

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Prevents TMJ disorder

Teeth grinding can cause damage to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can lead to a condition known as TMJ disorder. A mouth guard can help to prevent this by reducing the pressure and strain on the TMJ.

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If you notice the signs of bruxism, you may benefit from a custom night guard. This night guard will be made to fit your smile comfortably and effectively, allowing you to sleep peacefully while protecting your teeth. We invite you to contact us today to learn more about night guards and how we can prevent the negative effects of teeth grinding. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your smile.

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