Night Guards

Night guards are placed in the mouth to act as a “cushion” during sleep to prevent someone from grinding or gnashing their teeth together. Some people actually do this during the day as well. Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, damages enamel, wears down teeth, causes jaw pain, and irritates gums. If you think you are grinding your teeth, Drs. Haeri and West at Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, can help you.

Severe teeth grinding can lead to tension-type headaches and disorders in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), where a clicking noise is heard when you open and close your mouth. Teeth grinding has also been seen in quite a few children. According to WebMD, “approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth.” The first step to preventing teeth grinding is to determine what is causing it. Sometimes a night guard or change in lifestyle is all you need to prevent it.

There are several factors that increase the chances of grinding your teeth:

- Stress and anxiety

- Age (though common in children, bruxism goes away by adulthood)

- Aggressive or competitive personality type

- Psychiatric medications

- Smoking tobacco

- Consuming caffeine or alcohol

- Family history of teeth grinding

- Other disorders such as Parkinson's, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), epilepsy, night terrors, sleep apnea, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Do you think you’re experiencing bruxism and want to try a night guard? We are happy to address any questions or concerns you might have. Oyster Bay Family Dentists is located at 123 South Street in Oyster Bay, NY 11771. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit oysterbaydentists.com or call 516-922-5730.

 

 

 

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw (the mandible) to your skull at the temporal bone. Injury to your jaw, the joint, or muscles of your head and neck can lead to severe pain and discomfort. In most cases, the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders can be alleviated with self-managed care or nonsurgical treatments such as a mouth guard. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists can provide long-term relief for patients who are experiencing Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) symptoms.

Other causes of TMD include: grinding or clenching your teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the joint, movement of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket of the joint, arthritis in the TMJ joint and stress, which can cause you to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth. Common symptoms include clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when you open your mouth, a tired feeling in your face, or pain or tenderness in your face, jaw, neck, and shoulders.

If you have questions or concerns about TMJ or TMD, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Nocturnal Bruxism

If you’ve ever noticed yourself clenching your teeth during the night, or during the day, you may be considered a “bruxer.” This is the name for someone who suffers from bruxism, a condition in which a person can habitually grind or clench their teeth. The most common form of bruxism occurs during sleep and The Oyster Bay Family Dentists usually suggest a night guard as a method of treatment. To diagnose this condition, you will need to schedule a consultation.

The action of grinding teeth is dangerous because it can damage tooth enamel, and make teeth more prone to sensitivity. When teeth become sensitive, it may be more difficult to consume hot and cold beverages and to enjoy the foods you love to eat. There are many factors that lead to bruxism, such as stress and anxiety, but this condition can also be brought on by a misaligned bite. To receive a proper diagnosis and treatment, visit us immediately.

If you have questions or concerns about bruxism, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Night Guards

Attention all teeth grinders – the earlier you catch the damage, the better your prognosis. Many people clench or grind their teeth to the point of destructiveness. Most people are completely unaware that they do it because they often do it while they sleep. Grinding your teeth can damage enamel, wear down teeth, cause jaw pain, or irritate your gums. Before this happens, one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists can provide you with a dental appliance called a night guard that will provide a significant reduction in your tooth’s wear and tear.

If you grind your teeth you should consider a night guard. The night guard, which is very similar to a mouth guard worn by athletes, provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. All of our night guards are custom-fitted for comfort and to allow for proper breathing. At the office, one of our doctors will take an impression of your teeth and have the night guard created by a dental lab. Night guards are very durable and can be used for up to ten years.

If you are a teeth grinder, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Night Guards for Protection Against Teeth Grinding

Grinding teeth can lead to damaged teeth, worn down teeth, sensitivity, and jaw pain. To protect teeth from damage during the night, a night guard should be worn. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer night guards for their patients who need protection from grinding and clenching their teeth at night.

During the day, teeth grinding and clenching can still be present, but it is easier to recognize the behavior and stop it. At night, you almost have no control over doing it. Teeth grinding will wear down enamel, causing sensitivity and making teeth prone to cavities. The sound of grinding at night can also be disturbing to any sleeping partners.

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists create a custom night guard to wear while sleeping. The night guard puts a barrier between the upper and lower teeth so night grinding cannot cause harm. We take impressions of your teeth so that the night guard created is a perfect fit. Night guards are durable and may last for up to ten years.

Grinding teeth can damage teeth, wear them down, and cause pain and sensitivity. Protect your teeth by putting a shield between them. If you would like to try a night guard, or if you suspect you are grinding your teeth at night but do not know for sure, schedule an appointment with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in their Oyster Bay, NY dental practice. To schedule, call (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.