Mouthguards are protective devices that cover the teeth and gums, reducing or preventing injury caused by clenching and grinding, jaw joint dysfunction or trauma in contact sports. The night guard is a variant that’s used predominantly during sleep to mitigate the damaging effects of bruxism, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and other issues. If you suffer from one or more of these conditions, you’ll likely need a night guard to protect your mouth and alleviate the issues that come with them. This blog post from East Bentleigh Dental Group contains more details about why you might need to wear a night guard.

Do You Grind or Clench Your Teeth?

If you suffer from inexplicable jaw pain or chronic headaches, you might be grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep. This is known as bruxism, and it can cause extensive damage to the structure and enamel of your teeth along with headaches, jaw pain, and disrupted sleep. You might not be aware you’re doing it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. A night guard can be worn to shield and cushion the teeth, as well as re-establish the natural space between the upper and lower teeth, protecting them from excessive wear and providing relief from pain.

Do You Suffer from TMJ Dysfunction?

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction refers to problems that affect the function and movement of the joints that connect the jaw to the skull. The condition is often caused by bruxism and impacts to the jaw, leading to pain and tenderness as well as difficulty chewing, popping sounds when moving the jaw, and an uncomfortable bite. A night guard is an affordable, convenient and non-invasive treatment option for TMJ syndrome, as it shifts the jaw into proper alignment. This alleviates tension and the painful symptoms that come with it, helping to improve quality of life.

How to Get a Quality Night Guard

You can get a quality custom-made night guard from East Bentleigh Dental Group. We will take an impression of your teeth and create a representative mould, using this to fabricate a night guard that’s fitted to your teeth. Once checked and fitted properly, you’ll be able to wear the guard at night while you sleep to alleviate bruxism and TMJ syndrome. Although the guard might feel odd at first, you’ll get used to it after using it, and you can rest assured it won’t interfere with breathing or speaking.

Other Helpful Steps to Try

Bruxism can be caused or exacerbated by various physical and psychological factors. This can include intense emotions such as stress, anger, anxiety and frustration. You can lessen if not prevent the clenching or grinding or your teeth by practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, listening to gentle music, or taking a hot bath. In addition, you can limit or abstain from smoking or drinking caffeine and alcohol (especially before bedtime) to lessen the severity of bruxism.

Learn More about Night Guards Today

At East Bentleigh Dental Group, we pride ourselves on offering patients night guards to minimise the harmful effects of bruxism and other conditions. Contact us today to arrange a consultation and learn more about these protective devices, including how they can help, your eligibility, and their costs. You can reach us by calling (03) 9575 1100, sending an email or filling out our online enquiry form.