Some people face chronic headaches or jaw pain when clenching teeth. To avoid jaw clenching and teeth grinding, the best remedy is to use a mouthguard. It will protect our teeth from damage and give relief from joint pain.

The medical term used to refer to this is called “bruxism.” The clenching and grinding of teeth are considered a major cause of tooth problems.

What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a plastic appliance used to cover all or part of the teeth. It is a type of mouthguard but with a very specific purpose. The night guard, as prescribed by a dentist, helps to prevent teeth from grinding while you sleep. It also prevents our teeth from involuntary clenching.  

Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard

If we are tense or feeling stressed, the tendency to grind our teeth is very high. And grinding will badly affect our teeth. To avoid these issues, we use night guards or mouth guards. 

Other benefits include:

• Prevents tooth damage
• Reduces jaw pain
• Prevents headaches
• Provide healthy sleep
• Prevents snoring 

Types of Night Guard

Night guards, like mouth guards, are classified based on the materials from which they are made.

Hard Night Guard

Hard night guards are made of acrylic and they are used to treat teeth grinding and clenching. These night guards are made with a firm material so they are durable.

Over-the-Counter

These night guards are one-size-fits-all types. They are designed and manufactured to fit any mouth. However, over-the-counter night guards are not good for the long term.

Custom-Made

Custom-made night guards are, as the name implies, made specifically according to the requirements and physical measurements of the patient. It is only for you, making the night guard more comfortable. Custom-made night guards are made by taking the impression of your teeth and using that impression as the basis for fabrication.

Alternatives for a Night Guard

If you are facing any discomfort while using your night guards or mouthguards, discuss with your dentist and consider these three alternative preventive options.

• Occlusal splints: Most simpler treatment to a mouthguard.
• Botox treatments
• Biofeedback

If you are searching for a perfect place for Dental Care, visit Sunset Oak Dental at 2161 Sunset Blvd, Suite 300 Rocklin, CA, 95765. Call us at (916) 4355111 and schedule an appointment with our experts.