How a Night Guard Can Protect Your Teeth?

Teeth grinding and clenching, medically known as bruxism, can cause considerable damage to your teeth and overall oral health. Fortunately, a night guard can provide a protective barrier to prevent these harmful effects.

This blog will explore what a night guard is and why it is essential for maintaining strong, healthy teeth.

What is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a custom-made dental device, often made from soft or hard acrylic, that fits over your teeth. It’s designed to prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming into direct contact during sleep, reducing the risk of damage caused by grinding or clenching.

Symptoms Caused by Bruxism

Teeth grinding is often an unconscious habit, especially at night. Many people may not even realize they suffer from bruxism until they experience symptoms like:

• Worn tooth enamel
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Tooth sensitivity
• Jaw pain
• Gum recession
• Enamel erosion
• Headaches upon waking

How Night Guards Protect Your Teeth

1. Prevents Tooth Damage

The most immediate benefit of wearing a night guard is its ability to prevent damage to your teeth. By cushioning the teeth, the night guard absorbs the pressure from grinding, which prevents wear on the enamel and helps avoid chips or fractures.

2. Relieves Jaw Tension and Pain

Grinding and clenching often cause tension in the jaw muscles, leading to soreness and discomfort. Night guards help to distribute the pressure more evenly across the jaw, relieving strain and reducing the risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

3. Protects Dental Restorations

If you’ve had dental work such as crowns, bridges, or veneers, a night guard can protect these restorations from becoming damaged or displaced due to teeth grinding. Using a guard is essential to maintain the longevity of your dental work.

4. Reduces Headaches and Earaches

Many people who suffer from bruxism experience frequent headaches or earaches, particularly in the morning. Wearing a night guard can reduce the frequency and severity of these symptoms.

Types of Night Guards

Night guards come in varied materials and types, each suited to varying degrees of bruxism:

Soft Night Guards: Best suited for mild grinding and clenching, these are flexible and provide a comfortable fit.

Dual Laminate Guards: These are made of a soft inner layer and a hard outer layer, offering more durability for moderate grinding.

Hard Night Guards: For severe bruxism, hard acrylic night guards are the most durable and provide the highest level of protection.

Custom-fitted vs. Over-the-Counter Night Guards

While over-the-counter night guards are available, they are not custom-fitted to your teeth, which can result in a less effective solution. Custom-made night guards, created by a professional dentist, offer a more precise fit, providing better protection and comfort. They are also designed based on the specific level of grinding or clenching you experience, ensuring maximum effectiveness.

Conclusion

If you’re waking up with sore teeth, jaw pain, or frequent headaches, a night guard could be the solution you need to protect your teeth and prevent long-term damage. Consult with our dental professional at Bravo! Dental to determine whether a custom night guard is the right choice for you. By taking proactive steps, you can preserve your oral health and avoid the complications associated with bruxism.

A protected smile is a healthy smile!