Creating Custom Mouth Guards in Sidney Ohio and the Surrounding Area

One of the most well-known uses of mouth guards are for sports. Sports-related dental injuries are common. As a result, the American Dental Association endorses the use of custom-fit mouth guards in all contact and collision sports. They play a vital role in preventing painful and expensive dental injuries. Other lesser known uses for mouth guards include bruxism, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD), sleep apnea and snoring.

Who Should Consider Using a Mouth Guard?

Do you find you clench your jaw so much during the day that it causes you pain? Or do you wake up experiencing an immediate headache or jaw pain? If so, chances are you may suffer from a condition called bruxism. When someone suffers from bruxism, they unconsciously grind their teeth and clench their jaw. For many, bruxism is a result of anxiety, stress or tension. It can also be a result of a competitive personality. It may be a habit that develops while awake, during deep concentration, and carries over into nighttime dreams. Young children are not immune to bruxism either. This condition, if left untreated, is likely to cause cracked fillings, chipped teeth, and excessive wear to tooth enamel. Aside from the oral damage, the constant tightness of the jaw muscles can cause headaches, jaw and neck pain. If this is happening during sleep, which is common, imagine the overall fatigue this condition causes. The body is never quite at rest. Wearing a night guard prevents your upper and bottom teeth from coming in contact, therefore protecting your teeth from the ill-effects of grinding and clenching.

Can A Mouth Guard Help With Bruxism?

If you or a loved one suffers from bruxism, a mouth guard is and quick and easy solution. A well-fitted night guard will help you stop damaging your teeth and relieve any tension and pain. The direct contact of tooth-to-tooth grinding and clenching is what damages teeth. By putting a mouth guard between the teeth, there is an almost immediate decrease inflammation and tooth sensitivity. Additionally, jaw and neck pain goes away quickly. Wearing a custom, professionally fitted night guard positions your jaw in such a way that it promotes muscle relaxation. As you can imagine, once the stress on your jaw is relieved, you now fall asleep faster and stay asleep. Sleeping with a night guard has been found to dramatically improve sleep patterns for bruxism sufferers. It decreases the force and impact of the clenching and grinding.

Can A Mouth Guard Help With Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD)?

TMJD is a condition that limits movement of the jaws. The most common symptoms are jaw pain, severe headaches, teeth grinding, and ringing in the ears. The symptoms of TMJ cause extreme discomfort and should be addressed immediately. There are many causes of TMJ so it is important for anyone experiencing the symptoms of TMJ to visit the dentist for an exact diagnosis. A mouth guard can be one treatment option if TMJ is the result of chronic teeth grinding, similar to bruxism.

Can A Mouth Guard Help With Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea, the sleeping disorder that causes a person to stop breathing while sleeping temporarily can be helped by wearing a mouth guard. The mouth guard pushes the lower jaw and tongue forward thereby keeping the airway open. Mouth guards can offer a safe and effective treatment for someone who may not have responded well to CPAP therapy. As sleep apnea causes many to wake up multiple times a night, a mouth guard offers better rest and improved general overall health.

Can A Mouth Guard Decrease Snoring?

Another benefit from wearing a night guard? It can decrease snoring. Snoring is the result of soft tissue vibrations in your upper airway. The mouth guard creates a narrow passage between your jaws, therefore increasing airflow and allowing you to breathe easier. This will produce a more restful sleep for you (and your partner).
Why Should I Buy a Mouth Guard from a Dentist When I Can Buy One Easily Online?
In order to achieve maximum results, it is best to purchase a mouth guard that is specifically molded to your teeth and jaw. A professional dental lab can tailor a night guard for your individual needs and provides the best fit and comfort. While the temptation may be there to purchase an inexpensive “one-size-fits-all” mouth guard online or elsewhere, best results are achieved with one that has been from impressions taken from your teeth by a professional. While this may seem more costly up front, the amount you spend now is a relatively small compared to the eventual dental treatments that will needed to repair damage from grinding your teeth. Comfort is something to be considered as well. A mouth guard that is molded to your teeth and jaw will allow for greater comfort and therefore a deeper sleep. If you are someone who grinds their teeth, please know relief is just a phone call away.

Quality dental mouth guards are more affordable than you may think. Take action now to prevent further damage to your teeth, reduce headaches, jaw and neck pain, and enjoy the benefits of a good night’s sleep. Consult Evers Dental today about whether a night guard is a good idea for you. At Evers Dental Center, we pride ourselves on offering a welcoming, compassionate and complete approach to dental care. Call Evers Dental Center to get a custom mouth guard made for you.