Why Do You Need A Night Guard ?

The forces of clenching and grinding, also known as bruxism, put pressure on the teeth that can cause severe damage. In addition, the jaw can put an extreme amount of force per square inch on the teeth causing them to crack, break and wear down. If the teeth become worn down, they are more susceptible to decay.
This pressure can cause the following: Headaches, Migraines, Muscle and joint pain, facial pain, earaches, broken, & cracked teeth.
People who experience the symptoms of bruxism must seek out a solution to help minimize the damage.
An occlusal guard, also known as a night guard or bite guard, helps prevent damage and bring relief for the symptoms of jaw pain.
An occlusal guard is made to fit over the teeth. The word occlusion refers to the coming together of the upper jaw and lower jaw teeth. Therefore, an occlusal guard functions as a barrier that prevents this contact of the upper and lower teeth. It acts as a barrier to protect teeth from the forces of clenching and grinding.
Occlusal guards are custom-made specific to each patient. This will ensure a secure and comfortable fit. The guard is either worn on the bottom or top teeth. They are usually made with a smooth thin material that helps to ensure the patient is comfortable when wearing it and can still receive a good night’s sleep while using the device.
Possible Reasons why people grind their teeth are Anxiety and Stress – Going to bed feeling anxious and stressed has been linked to sleep bruxism. In addition, negative feelings at bedtime can lead to overstimulation of the brain, which plays a role in clenching and grinding. Aggression – Often, people with aggressive personalities, such as those who get angry fast, experience bruxism at night. They can experience tenseness in the body that leads to teeth grinding. Youth – Young children and teens tend to grind their teeth at night but can grow out of this when they get older. Genetics – For some, genetics plays a role in teeth grinding.
While an occlusal guard does not prevent you from grinding, it does act as a barrier absorbing the pressures keeping your teeth from hitting and grinding on the enamel surfaces of your natural teeth. This protects the teeth from breaking, fracturing, and wearing down.
For any questions or need additional information, Always talk to your Dental Professionals. You may call the office of Kimberly A. Rosen DDS @ (661)255-2545.