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What is a night guard?
A night guard is a custom acrylic dental appliance that is worn on the teeth to protect the biting surfaces from extreme wear and grinding. It can also help prevent jaw pain and popping. A night guard for teeth, also known as a dental night guard or occlusal splint, is a removable oral appliance worn during sleep. Night Guards are designed to protect the teeth and jaws from the effects of teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching. Bruxism can occur unconsciously during sleep and may lead to various dental issues such as worn-down teeth, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders.
The night guards create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing them from making direct contact and reducing the pressure and impact of grinding or clenching. By wearing a night guard, it helps to alleviate the potential damage caused by bruxism, promote better sleep quality, and protect the overall health of the teeth and jaws. Night guards are custom-made to fit each individual’s mouth comfortably and securely. If you suspect that you are grinding or clenching your teeth at night, consult Icy Dental in East Landing, MI, we can assess your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include a night guard.
How do I know if I need a night guard?
If you clench, grind, have trouble eating hard or chewy foods, notice wear in your teeth, often wake up with jaw pain, you may need a nightguard.
How do I take care of my night guard?
You should clean your night guard after every use. You can use a toothbrush or denture brush to gently brush your appliance with a small amount of toothpaste, and rinse using warm water. Whenever your night guard is not in your mouth, it should be kept in its appliance box. If you are worried about staining, you can soak it in water while you aren’t wearing it.
