The Purpose of Night Guards

A night guard is a piece of hard plastic made from impressions of your teeth that is placed on the upper and lower teeth while you sleep. Reasons for needing one include bruxism, the act of grinding your teeth while you sleep. The purpose of the night guard is to protect your teeth and jaws. Here at Top Choice Dental we offer custom-made night guards to our patients to fit your bite evenly providing a more effective form of treatment.

If you already grind your teeth, you will grind them much harder in sleep than while you are awake. When this action occurs, it can cause chipping, fractures, excessive wear and loosening of the teeth. Overall, the night guard protects your teeth from grinding and clenching. When your lips come together, your teeth will be apart which initiates a muscle relaxation process. When muscles are relaxed, your teeth will rest on bite pads which are made of a hybrid resilient material that slips comfortably between your teeth.

If you grind your teeth or find yourself waking up with jaw pain, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.hoptowndental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Greg Fort at Top Choice Dental in Hopkinsville, KY, call 270-886-8585. 

Bottom Line of Bruxism

Grinding of your teeth, also known as bruxism can have a variety of causes. Some people grind their teeth only during sleep. This is called “nocturnal bruxism” or “sleep-related bruxism.” Others grind or clench their teeth during the daytime as well. Some experts view bruxism as nothing more than a habit. It can also be a result of the body’s reaction when the teeth do not line up or come together properly. If you experience signs and symptoms of bruxism, Dr. Greg Fort at Top Choice Dental can develop an individualized treatment plan with you.

When diagnosing bruxism, one of our doctors will ask about your general dental health, what sources of stress you have in your life, and what medicines you take. He will examine you, paying special attention to the muscles in and around your jaw. He will also look at your teeth for evidence of grinding. During this examination, one of our doctors will check for tenderness in your jaw muscles and the jaw joint. A more detailed exam may follow if your dentist suspects that your bruxism is related to dental problems.

If you believe you have bruxism, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.hoptowndental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Greg Fort at Top Choice Dental in Hopkinsville, KY, call 270-886-8585. 

Do You Need a Night Guard?

Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a condition in which you clench and grind your teeth. If you grind your teeth unconsciously during the day you may eventually suffer from worn tooth enamel, teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose, as well as tired or tight jaw muscles. If you already experience one of the following, then it’s time to talk to Dr. Greg Fort at Top Choice Dental about receiving a night guard.

The night guard, which is very similar to a mouth guard worn by athletes, provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. Here at Top Choice Dental, all of our night guards are custom-fitted for comfort and to allow for proper breathing. The biggest benefit you’ll receive from a night guard is the protection it will provide for your tooth enamel. Teeth grinding is a common issue, but you shouldn’t have to suffer.

If you find yourself waking up with jaw pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about night guards as well as other services we provide at the practice, visit www.hoptowndental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Greg Fort at Top Choice Dental in Hopkinsville, KY, call 270-886-8585.