820 W Laraway Rd, New Lenox, IL 60451
Exploring Nightguards In New Lenox, IL
Nightguards, also known as dental guards or mouth guards, are used to prevent the negative effects of teeth grinding. They are usually made of a durable material called acrylic resin and can be either soft or hard. Your dentists will recommend wearing the nightguard over the upper front teeth to avoid contact with the lower front teeth while sleeping.
In cases of severe teeth grinding, a dental guard for the lower teeth may be suggested. In addition to protecting the teeth, mouthguards also provide cushioning for the jaw muscles.
Benefits of Using Night Guards for Bruxism
Bruxism, the habit of grinding teeth, can occur during the day or while sleeping. It is often caused by anger, stress, or anxiety and is usually done unconsciously. However, this habit can harm oral health. Dentists may suggest using a nightguard along with anxiety treatments such as medication or therapy to protect your teeth.
Although night guards do not stop teeth grinding completely, they can help prevent damage to fillings, tooth chipping or loosening, and excessive wear of tooth enamel. Moreover, using a nightguard may enhance sleep quality and relieve symptoms related to bruxism.
- Tooth sensitivity or discomfort
- Biting the cheeks
- Gums that are pulling back
- Tiredness caused by interrupted sleep throughout the night.
- Experiencing discomfort in the face due to tight or sore jaw muscles.
- Temple-related headaches
Using nightguards for TMJ offers several benefits.
The TMJ, or temporomandibular joints, play a crucial role in the movement of your mouth. However, grinding your teeth can cause problems with these joints, leading to TMJ and various symptoms such as jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and a locked jaw. TMJ can also be caused by inflammation or jaw injuries. Fortunately, using nightguards for TMJ while you sleep can help align your jaws correctly and reduce muscle tension. By using a nightguard, you may experience relief from other TMJ symptoms as well, including:
- Facial pain or discomfort
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Intense discomfort similar to an earache
- Sensation of hearing a ringing sound in the ear
- Challenges with chewing or speaking
- Discomfort while eating or talking
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