An occlusal guard/night guard is a custom-made appliance used to protect your teeth from the damaging forces of habitual nighttime teeth grinding. It can also prevent cracked/worn teeth, tooth sensitivity and the need for extensive dental treatment. If you feel that your smile may benefit from a night guard in San Diego, California, we welcome you to contact our office today at (619) 901-0708 and schedule an appointment with our dentists, Dr. Vaheed Bayette or Dr. Nikko Johnson.
Night guards are a type of oral appliance used to protect your teeth while you sleep. These customized mouth guards are most frequently used to treat bruxism (habitual teeth grinding and clenching) but may also be recommended for TMJ disorders or other problems. While bruxism can occur at any time, it is most common at night. As a result, many individuals who have bruxism are unaware of the condition because it occurs while they are asleep.
Common signs of nighttime teeth grinding and clenching include:
- Chronic jaw, facial and ear pain
- Frequent migraines and tension headaches
- A tired or tight feeling in the jaw when waking up
- Excessive tooth wear
- Chipped, flat, cracked or worn teeth
- Indentations on the sides of the tongue
- Increased tooth sensitivity
Night guards prevent your teeth from grinding against each other while you sleep, helping you avoid tooth damage and other problems that affect your oral health and function. If you are diagnosed with bruxism and wish to receive a night guard, our dentists will take impressions of your mouth in order to custom design your appliance so that you can enjoy the best results possible.
If you have any questions about night guards, please give us a call and make an appointment with our dentists. We are committed to helping you sleep peacefully while protecting your teeth.