Description
Treatment & Care
If you frequently wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache or tooth pain, you may want to ask a qualified dental professional if you are suffering from a condition called bruxism or teeth grinding, affects about 10 to 15 percent of adults, according to the American Dental Association.
There are several ways to alleviate the effects of bruxism. One of the most common, which your dentist may recommend, is a night guard. This is an appliance typically worn while sleeping through the night, which is available without a prescription at most pharmacies. To use the appliance, you simply boil it, let it cool for a few seconds and then gently bite into it to shape it to your own teeth.
Night guards are also available through your dentist. Guards of this type tend to be of a higher quality and superior fit, as they are made in a special laboratory from an impression of your mouth carefully taken by a dental professional. This is generally a more expensive device than one purchased over-the-counter but can be more effective and comfortable to wear and that is our part, to make an appliance with a highly durable form-fitting splint that a patients can not break. Available as an all hard splint or with a soft liner for maximum comfort.
Rinse the night guard well with water before and after use and store dry in the container provided. Clean it with soap and warm water ONLY. The night guard should be worn all night, patient may start by wearing it a few hours each day and gradually work up to wearing it a full night.
