717 Newfield St. Middletown, CT 06457
Exploring Nightguards in Middletown, CT
Nightguards, also referred to as dental guards or mouth guards, are utilized to prevent the adverse consequences of teeth grinding. Typically composed of a sturdy substance called acrylic resin, they can be either soft or hard. Your dentist in Middletown will advise wearing the nightguard over the upper front teeth during sleep to prevent contact with the lower front teeth.
In instances of intense teeth grinding, a dental guard for the lower teeth may be recommended. Alongside safeguarding the teeth, mouthguards also offer cushioning for the jaw muscles.
Benefits Of Using Night Guards For Bruxism
Bruxism, the habit of grinding teeth, can occur during waking hours or while sleeping. It is often triggered by anger, stress, or anxiety and is typically done without conscious awareness. However, this habit can have negative effects on oral health. Dentists may recommend using a nightguard in combination with anxiety treatments like medication or therapy to safeguard your teeth.
While night guards cannot completely eliminate teeth grinding, they can assist in preventing damage to fillings, tooth chipping or loosening, and excessive wear of tooth enamel. Additionally, using a nightguard may improve sleep quality and alleviate symptoms associated with 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, also known as the temporomandibular joints, are essential for the movement of your mouth. Unfortunately, teeth grinding can result in issues with these joints, resulting in TMJ and symptoms like jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and a locked jaw. TMJ can also be caused by inflammation or jaw injuries. Thankfully, wearing nightguards for TMJ during sleep can aid in aligning your jaws properly and reducing muscle tension. Using a nightguard may also provide relief from other TMJ symptoms, such as:
- 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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