Wear a Night Guard to Save Your Teeth from the Damage of Teeth Grinding

Do you ever wake up with a sore jaw or headache? Do you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth during the day or while you sleep? If so, you may have a condition called bruxism. Bruxism can cause damage to your teeth and jaw, but wearing a night guard can help.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth. It’s a common condition that affects both adults and children. In many cases, bruxism happens unconsciously during sleep, but it can also occur when awake as a result of stress, anxiety, or other emotional factors.

Understanding Bruxism

The most common symptoms of bruxism include:

Teeth grinding or clenching noises that may disturb your partner’s sleep
Headaches in the morning
Facial pain and discomfort
Worn down tooth enamel causing sensitivity to hot/cold temperatures.

Benefits Of Wearing A Night Guard

A night guard is an oral appliance made of soft material that fits over your teeth during sleep. It acts as a shock absorber to protect your teeth from grinding against each other. Here are some benefits of wearing a night guard:

Prevents Teeth Damage: Grinding can wear down tooth enamel over time, exposing the inner layers of your teeth and making them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.
Reduces Pain: Bruxism can cause headaches and facial pain due to muscle tension in the jaw area. A nightguard reduces this pain by preventing excessive pressure on the jaw muscles.
Improves Sleep: Wearing a night guard improves sleep quality by decreasing disruptive grinding sounds at night which may disturb both you and/or those sleeping nearby.
Economical: A properly fitting night guard prevents damage from occurring quickly which saves money on restorative dental procedures such as veneers or crowns later on down the road.

Consult Your Dentist

If you suspect that you’re grinding your teeth at night, it’s critical to see your dentist who can evaluate the level of damage and create a custom-fit nightguard appliance. A well-fitting guard will reduce pain and help prevent further wear and tear on your teeth. Don’t hesitate to take this simple step to start improving your overall oral health!

Sidney Baraza, RDH

Sidney is committed to providing quality dental care that helps improve not just the dental health but also overall health of her patients. Her tireless dedication makes her an essential member of the team at All Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics in Allen, Texas.