Hamilton, ON area dentist describes the purpose of night guards

At Dentistry on Parkdale, Hamilton, ON area patients have access to the solutions they need to improve their smile’s health and wellness. When patients have received a diagnosis of conditions such as bruxism or temporomandibular joint disorder, they need to take certain steps to protect their smile from the damage these conditions can cause. Our dentist will explain to patients the benefits and purpose of appliances such as night guards.

Understanding oral health conditions

Conditions such as bruxism and temporomandibular joint disorder are two conditions that can cause patients pain and discomfort. In addition, they can lead to damage of the natural teeth and dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, and bridges. This is because the conditions can cause tensing of the jaw joint, clenching, and grinding during the night that can result in unwanted wear and tear on the natural teeth. This impacts the smile in a negative way, and can cause patients to require dental work that can be expensive. Discomfort caused by tension can make pain a serious consideration for patients as well. When patients have a diagnosis, they can work with Dr. Karen Ho of Dentistry on Parkdale to learn more about oral appliance therapy using specialized night guards.

What is a night guard?

A night guard is a professional-grade plastic mouth guard that is used by a patient to help them in properly aligning the jaw and protecting the natural teeth from wear and tear that can occur from clenching and grinding of the teeth. Dr. Karen Ho can provide these for patients who are faced with possible issues from their oral conditions. Night guards are made of specialized plastics that are strong and durable, while also easy to clean. These are created with impressions of the patient’s natural smile to ensure that they fit properly. A properly fitting mouth guard ensures results.

Who is a candidate for a night guard?

Any patient who has a diagnosis of bruxism or TMJ/TMD may benefit from the use of a night guard. All patients are candidates. This is a highly recommended solution for many of our patients who are struggling with these conditions and are seeking relief. When the condition is controlled, it can greatly reduce problems such as:

• Muscle pain
• Chronic headaches and migraines
• Locking of the jaw
• Wearing of the natural teeth
• Breakage of restorations in the mouth

What are the benefits of night guard use?

There is definitely a purpose and benefit to using night guards to protect the smile and to relieve patients of pain and discomfort. The condition is often problematic enough to where a patient will seek the help of a dentist to address. While pain medications and muscle relaxers are often prescribed by primary care physicians to address the symptoms of the conditions, they do not treat or reduce the problems associated. Night guards are a non-pharmaceutical way of improving quality of life while also reducing the problems that can develop from bruxism and TMJ/TMD including breakage of the restorations in the mouth and wearing of the natural tooth enamel. This can cause irreversible damage to the smile as well as costly repairs.

Why choose Dr. Karen Ho?

At Dentistry on Parkdale, patients in the Hamilton, ON area are often seeking an experienced dental professional who has the training needed to provide quality care for the smile as a whole. She treats all her patients like family, and can offer this and many other solutions for a variety of oral health care needs. Her practice is equipped with the latest technologies and highest quality materials.

Schedule a visit with our team today!

Dr. Karen Ho and her staff are here to assist patients in and around the area of Hamilton, ON with their oral health care needs. If you have been diagnosed with conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder or bruxism, we can assist you in improving your day-to-day experiences. We welcome patients tin the community to contact the practice of Dentistry on Parkdale by calling for an appointment at 905-547-4940 and visiting the office at 21 Parkdale Avenue South. New patients, as well as existing families, are welcome in her state-of-the-art dental office for comprehensive dental care solutions.

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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.