There is a dental disorder called “Bruxism,” this includes grinding of the teeth and excessive clenching of the teeth. This is a very common disorder in both adults and children. In most cases teeth grinding takes place while the person is sleeping but it is not unknown for it to take place during the day as well. Some dentists approach the problem with a New York night guard, a device which is worn over either the upper teeth or lowers, it is designed to create a cushion between the teeth; this in turn prevents grinding.
In adults, teeth grinding is often the result of stress, in children it is often because the teeth are developing. In both adults and children the same thing happens, the muscles of the jaw tighten and the teeth in the upper and lower jaw slide back and forth repeatedly. The results of Bruxism can include pain in the jaw and ear as well as damage to the jaw joint, tooth damage and headaches.
A New York night guard can be made from a few different materials; the most common are plastic and acrylic. Both materials work well although an acrylic night guard tends to be a little more rigid and stays in place better than those made from other materials, however, the material is more costly which results in a more expensive guard.
It is possible to buy a night guard over the counter in many drug stores as well as from online shops. The problem is these guards are not custom fitted by a dentist and rarely are they as effective in solving the problems. As an OTC night guard is not made expressly for the patents mouth it will normally be uncomfortable. A night guard other than one made by a dentist is not recommended. There is another approach with some OTC guards, these are boiled in water making it moldable, this guard is placed on the teeth and left for a few minutes and it does take some semblance to the teeth, but still not perfect.
For the New York night guard to be effective it must be worn every night. Over time some people may grow out of grinding their teeth, this is especially true with youngsters, once their teeth are fully developed in many cases grinding ceases to be a problem. To maintain the night guard it should be cleaned like teeth, using a toothbrush and toothpaste and rinsed clean.
If you suffer from Bruxism and you find yourself grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw repetitively then you need a New York night guard. This dental appliance can be custom made by Dr. Shekib, Cosmetic Dentistry & Smile Makeovers.
