Nightguards for Bruxism – Duncanville, TX
Put a Stop to Nocturnal Teeth Grinding
Human teeth are meant to work in harmony with each other. Unfortunately, in some cases, they can damage one another, particularly in individuals who grind and clench their teeth at night. If your child has this habit, what can you do to preserve their precious smile? Contact our practice. As a pediatric dentist, we may recommend that your young one starts using a nightguard for bruxism. This simple oral appliance can protect the teeth and promote long-term oral health.
Why Choose Barefield Pediatric Dentistry for Nightguards for Bruxism?
- Team of Experienced Pediatric Dentists
- Insurance Welcome
- Protect Your Child’s Teeth
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the habit of grinding and clenching the teeth. It typically happens during sleep, so the person doing it may be unaware of their actions. It can afflict people of any age, including children and teens. Often, stress is a major contributing factor to bruxism. However, other issues, such as a misaligned bite or even an inner ear problem, can also play a role in its development.
Most young patients stop bruxing on their own eventually. In the meantime, though, this habit could have dire consequences for their oral health. For example, it can cause serious wear and tear on the tooth enamel.
Does Your Child Grind Their Teeth at Night?
If you observe your child while they are sleeping, you may notice grinding noises coming from their mouth. That is a major indicator that they are bruxing. If you do not have the opportunity to watch your child sleep, you can look for other signs of this problem. For example, your child might complain of:
- A sore jaw
- Sensitive teeth
- Popping or clicking sensations in their jaw
- Headaches
- Broken teeth
Benefits of a Nightguard
A nightguard is a small, custom-made oral appliance. It resembles a mouthguard that your child would wear for sports. However, it has a different purpose. It places a barrier between the upper and lower teeth so they cannot cause mutual harm to one another. As a result, your child could enjoy:
- Reduced dental pain and soreness.
- Fewer headaches, as well as a reduction in facial soreness and other related symptoms.
- A lower risk of tooth breakage.
- Protection for either their primary teeth or adult teeth (or both, depending on your child’s age and current stage of oral development).
- The use of an oral appliance that is designed to be comfortable and user-friendly.
Caring for a Nightguard
Depending on your child’s age, they might need some help and reminders to care for their nightguard. Here are few best practices to keep in mind:
- Nightguards should be rinsed before and after each use.
- Mild hand soap can help to fight off bacterial buildup.
- Abrasive cleaning products could damage the nightguard, so they should be avoided.
- It is best to clean the nightguard with warm water, not hot. High temperatures could warp the plastic.
- Nightguards should be stored in a protective case when they are not in use.