Teeth Grinding at Night? How a Night Guard Can Protect Your Smile

Waking up with a sore jaw or a dull headache is an unpleasant way to start the day. These common morning aches are often signs of a nighttime habit called bruxism. Bruxism is the medical term for unconsciously grinding or clenching your teeth. Left unaddressed, it can lead to serious and costly dental complications. Fortunately, a simple and effective solution exists: the custom night guard.

Understanding Bruxism and Its Impact

Bruxism is frequently a response to daily stress or anxiety. It can also be caused by an abnormal bite or misaligned teeth. Many people are entirely unaware that they grind their teeth until a partner mentions the sound.

Others only discover the habit through its symptoms. These symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, and increased tooth sensitivity. Over time, the constant pressure can wear down the enamel.

What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a protective dental appliance. It is custom-designed to fit snugly over your upper or lower teeth. Think of it as a durable, cushioned barrier that sits between your biting surfaces. This barrier prevents the upper and lower teeth from making direct contact.

By absorbing the immense forces generated by clenching, it shields your teeth. It also alleviates strain on your jaw muscles and joints. This simple device is worn during sleep and is a frontline defense.

The Multifaceted Benefits of Using a Night Guard

Investing in a night guard offers a wide array of benefits for your oral and overall health.

• Prevents Significant Tooth Damage

The enamel protecting your teeth is remarkably strong but not indestructible. Persistent grinding will gradually wear this vital layer down. A night guard absorbs this destructive force, acting as a sacrificial shield. It preserves your natural enamel and maintains your tooth structure.

• Alleviates Jaw Pain and Headaches

The powerful clenching motion places tremendous strain on your jaw muscles. This often results in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort and tension headaches. A night guard helps by cushioning the impact and encouraging muscle relaxation. This can significantly reduce facial pain and the frequency of morning headaches.

• Improves Overall Sleep Quality

The physical discomfort caused by grinding can disrupt your sleep cycles. It can prevent you from reaching deep, restorative stages of sleep. By mitigating jaw tension and pain, a night guard promotes a more peaceful and uninterrupted night’s rest. You will often wake up feeling more refreshed and energized.

• Safeguards Existing Dental Work

If you have dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or fillings, bruxism is a threat. The excessive force can crack, loosen, or fracture these expensive repairs. A night guard provides a protective layer that distributes pressure evenly.

• Can Aid in Reducing Snoring

Certain types of night guards are designed to reposition the jaw slightly forward. This minor adjustment can help keep the airway more open during sleep.

Selecting the Right Night Guard for Your Needs

Not all night guards offer the same level of protection and comfort.

• Custom-Made Guards

Fabricated by your dentist from a precise impression of your teeth. They offer a perfect fit, superior comfort, and the most durable protection.

• Boil-and-Bite Guards

Available over the counter, these are softened in hot water. You then bite into them to create a mold. They offer a better fit than stock guards but are bulkier and less durable than custom options.

• Stock Guards

Pre-formed and ready to wear straight from the package. They are the least expensive option but rarely fit well.

For more on teeth grinding at night, visit Riley & Han Dental Associates LLC at our Boston, Massachusetts, office. Call (617) 723-4032 to book an appointment today.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards