Night Guards
Dentist in Burlington
Unconscious grinding of the teeth during sleep is a condition known as bruxism. If you are grinding your teeth in your sleep most nights, you should contact our office for a night guard. Most people don’t know they are grinding their teeth, but if you wake up with sore muscles or if you have gastric reflux, you are probably grinding your teeth.
A night guard is a removable dental appliance that is similar to an athletic mouth guard. It provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth to protect them while you sleep and allows the muscles normal range of motion without tooth interference.
Dr. Mary Makhlouf will custom fit your night guard to ensure your comfort and safety. Night guards can protect your teeth from from getting loose, wear, gum irritation, enamel damage, jaw pain, and decrease sensitivities.
At your appointment, Dr. Mary Makhlouf will discuss other ways to help reduce or eliminate night grinding. This may include avoiding chewing gum, alcohol, and caffeine, as these increase the risks of grinding.
Night Guard Home Care Instructions:
- Keep away from pets.
- Wear every night at bedtime then remove it in the morning.
- If your teeth do not hit normally for the first 10 minutes or so after removing the night guard, it is ok.
- If you wake up with headaches or muscle aches that are new, please let us know.
- In the morning, brush the night guard with a brush and water and then soak it in room temperature water and denture cleaner. The denture cleaner can be any brand. They come as tablets.
- Free adjustments for 1 month and minor adjustments during your hygiene visits are free as well. Be sure to bring the night guard in at your hygiene visit so we can check it for you. Just call our office with any problems.
If you suspect you may have issues with teeth grinding or joint problems and sore chewing muscles, contact our office for an appointment.
