18 Jan WHEN AND WHY SHOULD YOU USE A NIGHT GUARD?
WHEN AND WHY SHOULD YOU USE A BITE SPLINT?
Occlusal splints or bite splints are custom-made for patients with bruxism. Bite splints are made of a transparent acrylic resin and are generally used in the upper teeth.
Bite splints soften the pressure produced when we bite and avoid tooth wear. Usually people clench their teeth while they sleep, for this reason, people wear bite splints at night. For this same reason, bite splints are also commonly called night guards. They make the facial muscles relax, which help us have a better sleep.
The aim of a bite splint is:
- To avoid tooth wear and possible tooth break
- Relieve the jawbone and relax the jaw muscles
- Stabilize the jaw joints
- Avoid headaches, cervical pain and muscle contractions
WHAT IS BRUXISM?
Bruxism is the involuntary habit of clenching the teeth at night while sleeping, or during the day, which usually causes head and earaches and jaw and neck pain. Everyone can have bruxism: children, adults, men and women. Approximately 20% of the population has bruxism.
Bruxism can be related to stress or anxiety situations, although it can also be due to other causes, therefore you should always ask your dentist.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR BITE SPLINT
Cleaning your bite splint is very easy. You only have to wash it with soap and water in order to avoid unpleasant odor and taste. You also have to keep it in its case and wash the case with soap and water, in order to avoid possible infections.
SOFT MOUTHGUARDS
There is also other kind of mouthguard that you can buy in sport shops. It is important to know that they are not occlusal splints, so they don’t avoid tooth wear.
They are used in contact sports and their function is to protect the teeth. Since they are not very comfortable, they could make you want to chew the mouthguard, causing the opposite effect to the night guards.
Don’t wait any more. Go visit your dentist
DO YOU THINK THAT YOU NEED A NIGHT GUARD?
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