The Benefits of a Night Guard

Is Your Child a Grinder
Is your child a teeth grinder?
December 4, 2017
Common-Children's-Dental-Concerns
4 Common Dental Concerns for Children
February 9, 2018
Petellin-Night-Guard

If you’re a teeth-grinder, know that the earlier you catch the damage, the better your prognosis. One excellent way to combat the bothersome habit of nighttime grinding, or bruxism, is to use a night guard at bedtime. If you think the trouble or expense of a dental night guard isn’t worth it, or you aren’t even entirely sure it’s tooth-grinding behind what seem to be increasingly shorter teeth, headaches, and jaw pain, it’s probably time to visit Dr. Petellin. Based on the amount of damage you may have already done and the symptoms you describe, Dr. Petellin can determine whether a night guard is right for you.

Other Treatments for Teeth Grinding

If a night guard is uncomfortable, there are other possible treatments listed below that you can ask us about.

  • Teeth straightening: Teeth that are out of alignment–what Dr. Petellin calls malocclusion–can contribute to teeth grinding. This can be remedied by corrective measures such as braces.
  • Stress prevention: One of the main causes of bruxism is anxiety, so Dr. Petellin might advise you to utilize one or more at-home methods of relaxation, like meditation, or in some cases professional counseling, to get you to relax and stop clenching your jaw.
  • Change of diet or medication: Petellin might recommend avoiding stimulants, such as caffeine, to reduce teeth grinding. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, might also contribute to the issue, so make sure you tell Dr. Petellin about any medications you are taking so he can suggest an alternative if one is warranted.

If you think a mouth guard would help you at night, request an appointment below.

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY