Dental nightguards protect your teeth from being damaged in the case of an accident or a condition like bruxism. Bruxism is a common issue among the residents of Honolulu. Unconscious teeth grinding at night may be the reason you are experiencing headaches in the morning. Apart from headaches, it can also cause dental pain and cracked teeth.
If you suspect you have a dental problem, you should visit a dentist in Honolulu, HI, immediately. The problem is not going to solve itself. The condition may seem mild right now but can reach severe extremes. Read this blog to understand why night guards are important to protect your teeth and prevent bone loss.
What is a night guard?
Bruxism often occurs when you have fallen asleep. A night guard offers protection to your teeth when you are sleeping and prevents problems like tooth damage or even headaches.
A night guard is customized according to the shape of your teeth and fits over it to cover the whole area. It is made up of cushiony material and prevents teeth from touching each other. It acts as a protective barrier that helps you avoid any further damage to your teeth.
A night guard also lessens the amount your jaw can clench, which helps reduce pain. It also relieves jaw tension by preventing the jaw from fully flexing during the night. As a result, you will experience less headache and pain in your jaw when you wake up.
Why is it important to get a night guard?
If you ignore your bruxism, it may lead to severe dental problems and will cost you expensive dental treatments in the future. If you grind your teeth at a young age, your enamel can degrade by up to 2 millimeters. This can increase the risk of cavities.
Also, teeth grinding or bruxism can result in jaw and muscle pain. There is a range of night guards available on the market. However, it is always recommended that you add extra money and get yourself a custom-fitted one. It helps you ensure your jaw is properly aligned.
It will fit your mouth perfectly, give you more comfort, and will not fall out during the night. They also last longer since they are made of better materials.
How to take care of your night guard?
For the best results, it is highly recommended to wear your night guard every night. Before you wear it on the next day, make sure to clean it properly. For that, you can simply use a mixture of soap and water and use a normal toothbrush to clean your night guard.
Avoid rinsing it with warm water, as it can cause damage to the night guard. When you are not wearing them, keep them in a safe container to avoid any foreign particles from infecting them.
Do not let bruxism ruin your teeth. Visit a doctor today!
