What Is a Night Guard and How Does It Help?
At some point, every one of us feels stressed. For some, these moments are few and far between; for others, they’re more like an everyday reality.
Stress is more than just a feeling or a frenzied state of mind, though. Our bodies respond to stress in a variety of ways, and one of those is with unconscious teeth grinding.
The medical term for unconscious teeth grinding is bruxism. Teeth grinding can happen anytime—day or night—but occurs most often during. If left untreated, the unconscious grinding and clenching of bruxism can have a serious impact on one’s oral health and overall wellbeing.
Symptoms of bruxism include:
- Headaches/migraines
- Earaches
- Neck or jaw pain
- Tinnitus
- Loose teeth
- Eating disorders
A night guard is a custom-made oral appliance designed to prevent unconscious teeth grinding. They’re meant to be worn anytime you sleep, as this is when most patients grind or clench the most. The unique design of night guards prevents these actions, providing relief and preserving the health of teeth.
Do any of the above symptoms sound familiar? Dr. Klotz and Dr. Schlossberg of Bethesda Sedation Dentistry can help you diagnose your symptoms and provide effective care. After assessing your oral health, we can explain your treatment and answer any questions you might have about bruxism, night guards, or any of our other services.
Call us today to reserve an appointment. We’re proud to serve patients from Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rockville, Potomac, or Washington D.C.