Night guards are devices placed in a patient's mouth to help with clenching and grinding. These guards are designed to act as a protective layer between your bottom and top teeth. Night guards are also known as bite splints, occlusal splints,and occlusal guards. In most cases, these guards are made of plastic.
You should keep in mind that night guards do not stop you from grinding and clenching. They re-establish your natural space and serve as a cushion so that your habits wear down the guard rather than your teeth.
Oftentimes, the prevention component is comprised of dental x-rays, cleanings, regular dental exams, etc. Fluoride and sealants are also stellar preventive treatments that are designed to protect the patient's teeth.
If bruxism affects you when you sleep or are under stress, you should consider wearing night guards to mitigate the negative effects that are commonly associated with jaw clenching and grinding. When you grind your teeth, they lose their protective outer layer – enamel. Enamel cannot be replaced, and the loss of this layer can lead to significant oral damage such as cavities. The good thing about wearing night guards is that they allow you to breathe easily and speak as per normal. Night guards are not painful to wear because they are custom-fitted. You will just need to wear them for a week before you get used to them.
