Night guards are an oral appliance used to protect your teeth while you sleep. These customized mouth guards are most frequently used to treat chronic teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) but may also help treat TMJ disorders. While bruxism can occur at any time, it is most common at night.
Signs You May Grind Your Teeth
General & Family Dentistry for the Oklahoma City Community
Many patients with bruxism are unaware of the condition until we point to the clear signs. People are often unaware they grind their teeth because it primarily occurs while asleep.
Common signs of teeth grinding and clenching include:
Pain
Chronic jaw, facial, and ear pain
Headaches
Frequent migraines and tension headaches
Jaw Issues
A tired or tight feeling in the jaw when waking up
Wear and Tear
Excessive tooth wear
Tooth Issues
Chipped, flat, cracked, or worn teeth
Tongue Issues
Indentations on the sides of the tongue
Sensitivity
Increased tooth sensitivity
Night Guards - The Simple Solution to Bruxism
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. Night guards are easy to clean (soaking them in white vinegar for 30 minutes will do the trick) and you’ll quickly grow used to the feeling of sleeping with one, usually within a week. If you are diagnosed with bruxism and wish to receive a night guard, our dentist will take impressions of your mouth to custom-design your appliance so that you can enjoy the best results possible.
During your night guard consultation, Dr. Pilgrim will examine your mouth and discuss your oral health and smile aesthetic goals. Our Oklahoma City dental office prides itself on putting our patients at complete ease as we work one-on-one with you to develop a treatment plan. Once you’re happy with your plan, our team gets to work and puts you on the path to your dream smile.
Our goal is to provide you with the comprehensive dental care you need to achieve a healthy, bright smile. We surpass the ordinary dental experience by providing a welcoming, warm environment.