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How Does a Mouth Guard Work to Prevent Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is so common that people often accept it as normal. Nighttime grinding, however, can damage your teeth and lead to an array of oral health problems. A bruxism sleeping mouth guard offers a simple solution to nighttime teeth grinding to help preserve the integrity of your smile. Dr. Chithra Tiruveedula at Advanced Dental in Aliso Viejo, California, can customize a mouth guard just for you. These FAQs explain more about teeth grinding and how mouth guards can help.
What causes teeth grinding?
Various factors contribute to involuntary teeth grinding. Among these are stress and anxiety, misaligned bites, sleep disorders, and alcohol or sedative use at night. The effects of bruxism can be felt over time in the form of enamel erosion, chipped or cracked teeth, jaw pain, headaches and other painful symptoms.
What is a bruxism mouth guard, and how does it work?
Bruxism mouth guards, aka night guards, are custom-made devices that fit snugly over your teeth to keep them from grinding as you sleep. They form a cushion between your upper and lower teeth to protect them from harm. A custom mouth guard can also relieve jaw stress while you sleep to prevent jaw pain and stiffness the next day.
How long does a bruxism mouth guard last?
A quality mouth guard can last several years, with proper care. Most of our patients wind up replacing their mouth guards due to losing or misplacing them, as opposed to wear and tear or damage. Storing your device in a clean, well-ventilated container when not in use will save you the cost of its replacement.
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New Patients: (949) 289-9993 | Existing Patients: (949) 362-8523
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How do you care for bruxism mouth guards?
Like all dental devices, mouth guards need proper care to maintain their effectiveness. Daily brushing with a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste and rinsing with cold water will help remove plaque and debris. Store your device safely when removed. Keep your mouth guard away from heat sources to avoid warping. Dr. Chithra can inspect your device periodically during routine checkups to ensure it’s working as it should.
Why should you protect your teeth against bruxism?
Teeth grinding may seem harmless, but it can actually cause significant damage to your teeth and jaw health. Most people are unaware of the tremendous force exerted on your teeth from nighttime grinding. It’s much stronger than the forces of chewing for which your teeth were designed. That’s why teeth clenching and grinding shouldn’t be ignored! In addition to damaging your teeth, bruxism can overwork your jaw muscles and joints, leading to temporomandibular joint disease and other jaw disorders.
Nightly use of a bruxism mouth guard can prevent these issues and protect your overall oral health. In preventing teeth clenching and grinding at night, this simple device can help you get better sleep as well!
Where can I go for bruxism treatment near me?
To learn more about bruxism sleeping mouth guard treatment, contact Dr. Chithra Tiruveedula from Advanced Dental in Aliso Viejo, CA at (949) 289-9993.
Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula
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Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years. After advanced training at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, she relocated to Orange County, CA in 2015. Dr. Chitra is a member of the American Dental Association and California Dental Association. Committed to continuous education, she provides top-quality dental services using the latest advancements.
Dr. Joseph C. Yang
Dr. Joseph C. Yang has over 30 years of dental practice experience. He earned his B.S. from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and his D.D.S. from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He then had a distinguished 30-year career as a U.S. Naval Dental Officer, including a residency in Periodontology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Yang is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a member of the American Dental Association and American Academy of Periodontology. As a board-certified Periodontist, he has performed thousands of successful periodontal and implant procedures. He is also a renowned lecturer and trainer in the latest implant and periodontal techniques worldwide.