Do you ever wake up with pain in your jaw or headaches? Do your teeth feel sensitive or worn down? Well, you might be grinding very often at night. This is a condition called bruxism where the jaw muscles clench and grind while asleep, causing excessive pressure on the teeth.. This can lead to a variety of dental problems.
This is where a night mouth guard near you comes in. This is a custom-made oral appliance that fits over the upper or lower teeth, essentially serving as a protective barrier for them (teeth). A night guard can prevent any contact between the teeth, thus significantly reducing wear and tear of teeth due to bruxism.
Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard
Prevents Tooth Wear and Tear
Bruxism can cause significant damage to your teeth, including:
- Enamel erosion: The hard outer surface gets eroded and exposes the sensitive dentin underneath.
- Fractured teeth: The force or pressure while grinding breaks or chips the teeth.
- Loose fillings or crowns: Already accomplished dental work may be dislodged or damaged.
Reduces Jaw Pain and Tension
Bruxism will not only affect the teeth as well as it impacts the jaw. Grinding teeth causes extra strain on the jaw muscles and joints, resulting in jaw pain, even headaches, and neck pain. A night guard reduces this pressure and helps relax the muscles while preventing long-term jaw pain.
Improves Sleep Quality
Many people who grind their teeth at night don’t realize it, but bruxism can disrupt your sleep. The act of grinding and clenching of teeth wakes you several times thus resulting in poor sleep quality. With a night guard, a person may sleep better due to grinding prevention and reduction of discomfort associated with it. Better sleep can really upgrade your mood and daytime energy levels.
Protects Existing Dental Work
Existing dental work such as crowns, fillings, or veneers would keep getting damaged from teeth grinding. A night guard, also known as a teeth guard, helps protect your dental work by preventing your teeth from grinding against each other and reduces wear and tear on your fillings or crowns. This can help extend the life of your dental treatments and keep your smile looking great for years to come.
Prevents Tooth Damage
Grinding your teeth can cause more than just tooth wear. Over time, it can also lead to serious dental problems like broken teeth,worn-down fillings and more. By wearing a night guard, you protect your teeth from these types of damage. The guard acts as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, reducing the force of the grinding motion. If you’re looking for mouth guards near you, your dentist can help you find the right fit to protect your smile.
Prevents Headaches
Teeth grinding can also be linked to recurring headaches. The pressure from clenching and grinding can lead to tension headaches, which can be painful and tiring. A night guard helps by reducing the strain on your jaw muscles, which in turn can lower the chances of developing headaches related to bruxism.
Reduces Risk of Gum Recession
Gum recession happens when the gums pull back from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots. This can be caused by various factors, including grinding your teeth. A night guard helps reduce the risk of gum recession by preventing the pressure from grinding and harming your gums, keeping them healthy and intact.
Who Can Benefit from a Night Guard?
Anyone who grinds their teeth at night can benefit from wearing a night guard. This includes people who:
- Wake up with jaw pain or headaches
- Experience tooth sensitivity
- Have worn-down or chipped teeth
- Notice they clench or grind their teeth during the day
If you think you might benefit from a night guard, talk to your dentist. They can evaluate your individual needs and recommend the most suitable type of night guard for you.
Protect Your Teeth and Sleep Better Today With Nightguards!
Waking up in the morning with jaw pain or sensitive teeth? You might be grinding at night. Prairie Pines Dental can help! Our custom-made nightguards protect your teeth from the damage of grinding, so you can sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed. Schedule a consultation today with a dentist in Prince Albert to protect your smile.