Both children and adults often find it somewhat normal to grind or clencher their teeth when asleep. It’s essential to discuss bruxism with your dentist when it starts to cause headaches, tooth or jaw pain, or dental damage. One often used treatment for sleep bruxism is a night guard. Discover everything about night guards and sleep bruxism and how you can guard your teeth.

Perhaps this describes you: you get up and have a headache immediately. Alternatively, you might have chipped or lost teeth or observed that your jaw is rather sore. Fortunately, general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry can help spot bruxism and assist with treatment. They could advise wearing a mouthguard at night as a simple approach to defending teeth from grinding and clenching damage.

What is a Night Guard?

A night guard is nothing but a dental tool that is used to protect teeth against damage resulting from clenching or grinding. Usually worn while you sleep, it is fashioned from a sturdy, soft material that fits the shape of your teeth. The guard cushions the effect of your grinding and shields your teeth from the wear and tear that could follow by separating your upper and lower teeth. A night guard will NOT stop you from gripping or grinding. Rather, it guards your teeth during grinding and clenching.

Why Do People Need a Night Guard?

People may need night guards for several different reasons. One of the most often occurring causes is bruxism, but stress, worry, and some drugs can also lead to tooth grinding or clenching. Others might also have misaligned teeth or other dental problems that increase their inclination to grind or clench. 

Untreated bruxism can lead to major dental issues like cracked or broken teeth, gum recession, and perhaps tooth loss. Other symptoms, including headaches and jaw pain, might also result from it. Consequently, you should see a professional if you believe you could be clenching or grinding your teeth.

Customized Night Guards from Your Dentist

Your dentist also has nightguards accessible. Customized guards are built to fit your teeth and are usually of better quality. Your dentist will inspect your teeth and submit the mold to a dental laboratory. This service will design a specially fitting night mouthguard for you. Before you take the mouth guard home, your dentist will verify its fit and make any required changes. Usually, a customized night guard costs more than one bought over the counter. Still, it would be more pleasant to wear.

Why Is It Important to Get a Mouth Guard for Jaw Clenching?

Ignoring your bruxism symptoms could cause major oral problems that require costly remedies. For instance, bruxism is the main cause of root canals. Those who grind their teeth lose up to two millimeters of enamel by their 20s, which raises their cavity risk. Jaw clenching can set the stage for jaw and muscle pain by subjecting the jaw and teeth to as much as forty minutes of extreme strain per hour. 

While less costly mouthguards can be purchased online or at your neighborhood drugstore, there are several reasons why seeing a dental professional for a custom-fitted device is well worth the additional cost: 

• A custom-fitted night guard will guarantee that your jaw is aligned correctly, helping with TMJ jaw pain alleviation.
• It will be more comfortable and won’t fall out overnight since it will fit perfectly. 
• Custom-fitted night guards usually last longer since they are better materials than over-the-counter models.

Conclusion

See a skilled healthcare expert for professional help should you believe you may be clenching or grinding your teeth while sleeping. Although one of the most successful treatments for bruxism is a night guard, it’s crucial to determine if this fits your unique circumstances. A night guard can assist in reducing the discomfort related to teeth-grinding practices and offer long-lasting protection for your teeth with correct care and maintenance.