Your oral health is more than just the teeth and gums. Other medical conditions can impact your smile, including bruxism. If your current dentist or our team at Downtown Dental in Los Angeles, California, has diagnosed you with bruxism, you might be curious about what solutions are available to protect your smile from clenching and grinding. Let’s take a look at this condition and the use of a mouth guard to manage the symptoms of bruxism!
What is bruxism?
The team at our office describes bruxism as a dental condition in which a patient grinds or clenches their teeth during sleep. This can cause damage to the teeth, jaw pain, and even headaches. These issues can impact one’s daily quality of life and bother them both at night and during the day.
What is a mouth guard?
Drs. Don Mungcal, Alyssa Hanel, and Hussain describe a mouth guard as a dental appliance worn over natural teeth to protect them from grinding or clenching. These are typically made of soft plastic and custom-fit to the patient’s mouth for maximum comfort and protection. This is done in the dental office to ensure the best finished results.
Why should I use a customized mouth guard for bruxism?
Using a mouth guard prevents damage to your teeth caused by grinding or clenching. It also alleviates common symptoms such as jaw pain and headaches. Additionally, using a mouth guard can save you money over time by avoiding costly dental procedures that may need to be performed due to the damage to the teeth and gums caused by this condition.
What can I expect when getting a mouth guard at your office?
We first examine your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine the severity of your bruxism. They also take dental X-rays to assess any damage that has already occurred. Then, they take a series of impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fitted mouth guard. This ensures maximum comfort and effectiveness while wearing the mouth guard at night to alleviate the damage caused by bruxism that happens during the night.
How long does it take to get my mouth guard?
Some mouth guards can be created right in the dental office while you wait, while others may need to be sent out to a dental laboratory for creation. Once your mouth guard is ready, you return to the office for a fitting appointment. We will ensure the fit is comfortable and adjust it if needed. They also offer instructions on properly using and caring for your mouth guard device for the best possible results.
Where can I learn more about mouth guards as a solution for teeth clenching and grinding?
Los Angeles, California, area patients struggling with bruxism and want to protect their smiles from damage are invited to connect with our team at Downtown Dental in LA to discuss their condition and find the best solution. The office is at 255 South Grand Avenue, Ste. #204, and can be reached by dialing 213-863-9464. You can also contact us by email office@downtowndentalLA.com
