Hamilton, ON dentist provides dental night guards and other services to treat bruxism

Do you wake up each morning with jaw pain, earaches, or headaches? Are you noticing a pattern of grinding or clenching your teeth? If you answered “yes” to either one of these questions, you may have a very common dental condition known as bruxism.

While the exact cause of bruxism is difficult to pinpoint, it can be exacerbated by different factors, leading to some uncomfortable side effects. At Dentistry on Parkdale, we offer a simple solution to bruxism that can provide patients in the Hamilton, ON area with the relief they desire. Dental night guards are an easy, non-invasive way to treat bruxism. For more information on dental night guards and other services, call us today at 905-547-4940.

What are night guards?

Dental night guards are small, plastic trays that fit securely over the teeth. They are custom-designed based on the shape of your dental arches, to ensure a snug, comfortable fit. When worn overnight, dental night guards prevent the wear and tear that teeth grinding can cause over time.

Why patients may need to wear dental night guards

There are several different reasons for wearing dental night guards, they include:

• Damage prevention – Teeth grinding has the potential to damage or even reverse any sort of restorative or cosmetic dental work that has been previously done to the teeth. Even if you’ve never had work done, teeth grinding can wear down teeth and lead to cracking and chipping. Over time, this slow wear of the teeth can lead to more complex problems such as increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, gum recession, or even loose teeth. Night guards are a simple way to protect yourself from this potential damage.
• Alleviate Discomfort – Nighttime bruxism can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms, including morning tooth pain, earaches, and headaches. If you are consistently waking up with these symptoms, it can be a sign that you could benefit from wearing a dental night guard. In most cases, we find patients experience relief after just a few days of wearing the night guards. It is important to keep wearing them every night for continued relief.
• TMJ treatment – Constant, severe grinding of the teeth can lead to TMJ disorder, an incredibly uncomfortable condition that causes symptoms such as facial pain, neck pain, difficulty opening the mouth, jaw clicking, and more.

Wearing your dental night guard

Custom dental night guards are comfortable and easy to wear. The guards are fabricated from a durable, yet soft, plastic that is easy to wear without disrupting your sleep. Measurements of the mouth and teeth are taken to ensure a proper fit, so the guard feels secure, yet comfortable.

A long-lasting solution

With good care, your dental night guard can last you for many years. That’s because it’s made from a strong material that is much more durable that over the counter mouth guards, which only last about six months. We will provide patients with a hard case to store the night guard in. Please store the guard in a safe place, out of reach of children or pets so that it does not get lost or destroyed. Patients who travel frequently may opt for a second guard to keep in their overnight bag.

Keeping your night guard clean

Cleaning your night guard is an important part of proper maintenance. Just brush the guard with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to remove any built-up plaque. Some individuals opt to soak the guard once per week to clean it. Just make sure to dry the mouth guard after each cleaning to prevent bacteria buildup.

At Dentistry on Parkdale, Dr. Karen Ho and her team can help you find relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of bruxism. If you are in the Hamilton, ON area and are experiencing any of the following symptoms: morning headaches, jaw pain, neck pain, stiff jaw, tooth sensitivity, or facial pain, please call us at 905-547-4940. During your appointment, we will perform a thorough examination to determine if you could benefit from a dental night guard. In addition to night guards, we also offer comprehensive dental care services for the entire family. For more information, you can either give us a call or chat with us by clicking on the button at the bottom right corner of your browser.

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Dr. Karen Ho is a trusted dentist serving patients of all ages in Hamilton, Ontario. Having studied at prestigious institutes such as McMaster University and University of Toronto and trained at Hartford Hospital (General Practice Residency), she opened her private practice in 2003.

Dr. Ho is committed to lifelong learning as she believes that she can serve her community better by constantly updating herself. She is affiliated with many professional organisations like the Academy of General Dentistry, Institute for Clinical Practice of Pediatric Dentistry, The Dawson Academy Study Club, Niagara Peninsula Dental Diagnostic Study Club, Hamilton Chapter of the Seattle Study Club (Founding Member), and Boston and Tufts Universities.