Mouth Guards
Prescott Valley, AZ
Custom Mouthguards provided by Our Expert Dentists in Prescott Valley, AZ at Bradshaw Family Dental
 Did you know that when you sleep, several factors can cause your teeth to move? This movement can result in crooked teeth, and teeth bite problems.
An unwanted shifting of your teeth can contribute to gum recession and undo previous dental work such as dental fillings and crowns. All of these things happen subconsciously. Therefore, most people are completely unaware of them.
To get a better idea of what this looks like, consider the following example. Let’s say you go to bed with straight teeth that have a normal bite. While you are sleeping, your tongue thrusts forward against your front teeth. You also grind or clench your teeth together during the night. Over time, this will result in teeth that do not fit together properly. You might not even notice any difference at first, but eventually, it will become apparent as your crooked smile causes problems with chewing and speaking and causes pain in your jaw joints.
This is why our Arizona dentists at Bradshaw Family Dental prescribe night mouthguards to prevent all of these things from happening. Our dentists are fully aware of what happens to your teeth at night, and that is why they are dedicated to ensuring your smile and teeth remain intact.
Why Comfortable Night Mouth Guards Are A Must
It is advisable to talk to the dentist after you have received your mouthguard and let them know if you feel comfortable or if you feel it needs to be adjusted to better suit your mouth and teeth.
Here at Bradshaw Family Dental, we promise you that you will get a comfortable night mouthguard.
If you want to know if a comfortable night mouthguard is a must, the answer is yes.
You need to be comfortable and be able to breathe normally while wearing your mouthguard at night. If you do not get enough sleep, you will not be able to function properly during the day.
The same goes for snoring. If you snore because of sleep apnea, you will not be able to stop it unless you use a mouthguard that is designed to prevent the airflow from being blocked when you sleep. So, if a comfortable night mouthguard is a must, then why do people keep buying the wrong one?
People keep buying the wrong mouthguards because they have no idea what they should look for in one. They also think that comfort is not important when it comes to night mouthguards. You must get one that fits correctly and does not cause any pain or discomfort during your sleep.
At Bradshaw Family Dental, we can make a custom nightguard for you to help you get a better night's sleep. Nightguards can help with bruxism, sleep apnea, and TMJ/TMD.
Effects of TMJ/TMD in Children
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint on both sides of your face, right where your jaw attaches to the rest of your head. Some people go their entire life without any issues with their TMJ, but other individuals struggle greatly with problems with this joint.
Children are especially vulnerable to TMJ disorder, at nearly double the rate of this disorder than adults. Nearly one in four children suffer from TMJ disorder.
If you suspect that your child may have problems with their TMJ, it is important that we give them a thorough assessment here at Bradshaw Family Dental in order to determine if they have this common condition. The sooner we can diagnose TMJ disorder in your child, the sooner we can start treatment for it.
TMJ Disorder Symptoms to Watch For
Signs of TMJ disorder can vary, and while many adults can find the words to express their painful symptoms, children may not always be able to communicate their symptoms.
That is why it is so important to be mindful and pay attention to your child to see if they are giving any clues that they may have TMJ disorder.
However, common indicators that they may have TMJ disorder could include complaining of popping and clicking in their jaw, their jaw locking up on them when they open and close their mouth (especially when eating or chewing), and pain that radiates from their jaw. They may complain of an ongoing headache or earache that does not go away on its own. Their teeth may start to appear thin or brittle and may have chips or cracks in them.
What Causes TMJ Disorder in Children?
TMJ disorder can be caused by many different things. Stress is a common trigger for it, though, which can lead to another condition known as bruxism. Bruxism is a type of disorder that occurs when the individual clenches or grinds their teeth a lot, especially at night.
Many adults do not realize that they are clenching and grinding, so having a child report this to you may be unlikely. Instead, you will have to observe their behaviors to see if they are engaging in bruxism when they are awake or asleep.
Should You Worry about TMJ Disorder?
If your child has indicated that they have pain and clicking in their jaw, then you probably have many questions about what this means and what their outlook is for their TMJ disorder.
TMJ disorder is not something that can be ignored, as it can get worse if left untreated. It is important that you diagnose it as soon as possible so that they can get the necessary treatment for their TMJ disorder.
If left untreated, it can lead to serious problems later on. Serious headaches could occur, and your child may be in a great deal of pain. They may also permanently damage their teeth, as bruxism can wear down the dental enamel. Their teeth can chip and break and even become loose.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
As a parent, it is understandable to be concerned about the well-being of your child. If you suspect that your child has TMJ disorder and would like to schedule an appointment with us here at Bradshaw Family Dental to find out if they need a nightguard, or you are simply interested in learning more about it, please give us a call today at . |
To Our Valued Patients at Surprise Smiles, 
Specific to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we have added in additional precautionary and cleaning measures including:
