Do you find yourself clenching and grinding your teeth at night? Are you worried about the long-term effects of this behavior? If so, you may want to consider wearing a dental nightguard while you sleep. Our dentists at Gentle Dental Care are dental professionals who can help patients in the Edison, NJ area determine if they could benefit from wearing a nightguard when they rest to protect their smile from damage.
What is a dental nightguard?
A nightguard is a small, plastic device that fits over your teeth and helps to protect them from the damage caused by bruxism (clenching and grinding). Many people find that wearing a nightguard helps to reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw. Some patients who have bruxism will often find that they awaken with a headache or have soreness around the jaw joint. Additionally, Drs. Brad Strober and Rebecca Kucharsky Hiess can easily spot the signs of bruxism in patients. Some of the more commonly noticed signs of bruxism include:
- Teeth that are flattened or worn
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Jaw pain and stiffness
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to visit our dental team as soon as possible. We will be able to assess your oral health and determine if nightguard therapy would be beneficial for you.
How long do I have to wear a nightguard?
Patients with chronic bruxism will find that the use of a nightguard can protect their smile and reduce their risk of problems. Patients who only notice bruxism when going through certain periods of high stress may only need to wear their nightguard when their stress levels are high. However, protecting the smile with a nightguard is the best way to reduce problems associated with clenching and grinding of the teeth, and reduce overall dental costs over the course of a patient’s lifetime.
How do I find out if a nightguard is right for me?
Call 732-549-5660 to book an appointment with Drs. Brad Strober and Rebecca Kucharsky Hiess of Gentle Dental Care to discuss the possibility of obtaining a custom nightguard to combat bruxism and associated problems.