Why Might a Dentist Recommend a Mouthguard for Grinding Teeth?

Conditions such as bruxism, which cause clenching and grinding of the teeth, may be a severe problem for patients who have severe cases. Clenching and grinding often happen while a patient sleeps, leaving it out of their control. If this is happening, Dr. Claire Cho and her team at the Dental Health and Aesthetics Center of Aliso Viejo, California, may suggest using an oral appliance called a mouthguard. While mouthguards are available over-the-counter at local drugstores with boil-and-bite creations, these often fail to fit as well as they should to counteract the pressure of the jaw joint and adequately protect the natural teeth and dental restorations. This is why our patients must consult with our dentist and ask about obtaining a professionally-created mouthguard that will function better and last longer due to proper fit. Learn more about using mouthguards to protect the smile from damage due to bruxism and coexisting conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder.

What Does a Mouthguard Accomplish?

Dr. Claire Cho of the Dental Health and Aesthetics Center may recommend the benefits of using a mouthguard appliance to some patients with bruxism or TMJ/TMD. While patients might think of a mouthguard as a protective appliance used when engaging in high contact sports, mouthguards may also be used when patients clench and grind their teeth. This condition is known as bruxism and may correlate with other more painful conditions such as TMJ/TMD. By using a specialized mouthguard for clenching and grinding, patients can not only protect their teeth and dental restorations from damage, but they can also reduce the tension experienced due to this issue.

How Do I Obtain a High-Quality Mouthguard?

If Dr. Claire Cho of the Dental Health and Aesthetics Center has diagnosed you with bruxism and has educated you on the benefits of wearing a mouthguard, it is time to connect with the team to learn more about this and other protective measures you can take to keep your smile healthy and free from breakage. Call (949) 541-2529 to request a consultation visit at our office at 2 Mareblu, Suite #200 in Aliso Viejo, California.