Nightguards for Bruxism – San Antonio, TX
Protecting Your Teeth From Harm
Do you consider yourself stressed, anxious, or worried all the time? These issues can harm more than just your mental health—they can also impact your mouth by manifesting into bad oral habits such as teeth grinding and clenching. According to the American Sleep Association, bruxism is a nightly grinding condition that impacts 10 percent of American adults and about 15 percent of children. If your teeth aren’t protected, this condition can increase your risk of developing oral health problems and dental damage. To keep your smile safe, Dr. Justin Gonzalez offers customized nightguards in San Antonio that are uniquely molded to comfortably fit in your mouth while you sleep.
How Can You Tell if You Grind Your Teeth?
Most people grind their teeth at night, which is why many cases of bruxism go undiagnosed unless a partner hears it, or you experience physical symptoms the following morning. Here are some signs to keep an eye out for at home:
- Grinding noises.
- Soreness in your jaw.
- Pain while chewing.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Visibly worn-down teeth.
- Sensitive teeth.
- A dull and pounding headache.
If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to schedule a checkup at our office so we can see how your condition is impacting the health of your teeth.
What are Nightguards for Bruxism?
If you know you have bruxism, don’t hesitate to visit your dentist in San Antonio, Dr. Gonzalez, so we can craft a custom nightguard for you to wear. Not every case of this condition is severe, but it’s important to protect your mouth before additional oral issues develop because of it. When you visit our office, we’ll examine your mouth and let you know if you can benefit from one of our custom-crafted protective nightguards.
Typically, we complete the process in two appointments. During your first one, we’ll capture impressions of your mouth that our dental laboratory will use to craft your guard. They’ll use high-quality materials that are specially selected to withstand everyday use and cushion your muscles and teeth to keep you from injuring your jaw and mouth.
What are the Benefits of Getting a Custom Nightguard?
Some patients wonder why they should get a customized nightguard from their dentist in San Antonio instead of a one-size-fits-all one from their local pharmacy. Even though a professionally made nightguard may have a higher upfront cost, they’re made from quality materials that are safe for your mouth and can last for years. Some other benefits of visiting our office for a protective guard include:
- Better protection because of the accurate and customized fit.
- Headache prevention.
- Reduction of facial muscle tension.
- Prevention of broken, chipped, and cracked teeth.
- Improved quality of sleep.
- Long-term savings.
How Do You Take Care of Nightguards?
It’s important to keep your nightguard clean and sanitized to prevent the transfer of bacteria in your mouth and extend its lifespan. Remember to not use scalding hot water whenever you maintain your guard because it could warp the shape of it. Otherwise, here are some daily upkeep tips:
- After each use, rinse your mouthguard and dry it before placing it back in its protective case.
- Sanitize your nightguard by placing it in a cup and covering it with hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for a few minutes before taking it out and rinsing it under water.
- Always be sure to store your nightguard in its hard, ventilated case when it’s not being used.
If you’d like to learn whether you can benefit from getting one of our customized nightguards for bruxism at San Pedro Smiles, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.