Dental Guards Prevent Damage To Teeth

A night guard is a dental aid that will protect teeth from becoming damaged. Your dentist may prescribe a dental night guard if you are known to grind your teeth while sleeping.

Sleep Disturbances

Sleep apnea, stress, or the side effects that are experienced from taking a prescription medication can cause a person to experience disruptive sleep patterns. An individual who experiences sleep disturbances may grind or clench their teeth. These actions can chip or crack teeth. The enamel on a tooth can be worn down during a grinding or clenching process. Braces, veneers, and other dental products can become damaged too. 

A Night Guard

A night guard is a product that is designed to be worn over the top or bottom row of teeth. It is not uncommon for a dentist to prescribe a set of dental guards. Two guards will offer the ultimate level of protection during the overnight hours.

A dental guard is constructed of clear acrylic plastic. A dentist can customize a guard so that it fits snugly over the teeth. A night guard is a product that should be worn for as long as an individual experiences restlessness during the overnight hours.

Your Appointment

If you have concerns about damaging your teeth while you are sleeping, consult with your dentist. A dentist will examine your teeth and look for signs of wear that may be indicative of grinding or clenching your teeth at night. If your dentist thinks that one or more dental guards can aid with protecting your teeth, they will make an impression of your teeth. The impression will be used when designing a custom guard that will fit over your top row of teeth or your bottom row of teeth.

A dental guard may take some time to get used to wearing. Your dentist may advise you to wear a guard for short stints during the day. This practice will allow you to get accustomed to how a guard feels in your mouth.

Once you have gotten used to wearing a guard, get into the habit of securing it over your teeth when you are ready to go to sleep. In the morning, remove the guard from your mouth and clean the dental aid. Use warm water and a soft-bristled scrub brush to remove loose bacteria from the guard. Refrain from using toothpaste to clean the guard since this could damage the acrylic plastic that a guard is constructed of.


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