Do you often wake up with a sore jaw, a headache, or tooth pain? If so, you might be suffering from bruxism, a condition that causes you to clench or grind your teeth unconsciously, especially during sleep.
Bruxism can damage your teeth and gums, cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and affect your quality of life. Fortunately, there is a simple and effective solution to prevent the harmful effects of bruxism: wearing a dental night guard.
A dental night guard is a custom-made device that fits over your upper or lower teeth and creates a barrier between them. It protects your teeth from the excessive pressure and friction caused by grinding and clenching and helps to relax your jaw muscles.
Here are some of the benefits of wearing a night guard.
Prevention of Tooth Wear and Damage
Bruxism can cause your enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth, to wear down over time. This can expose the inner layers of your teeth, making the teeth more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. Moreover, the teeth may become more prone to decay and infection.
Bruxism can also cause your teeth to crack, chip, or break, requiring costly dental treatments to repair. A dental night guard can prevent these problems by cushioning your teeth and distributing the force evenly.
Protection for Your Gums and Jawbone
Bruxism can also affect the health of your gums and jawbone. The constant pressure and tension can cause your gums to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth and increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
In addition, bruxism can lead to bone loss in your jaw, which can alter your facial appearance and make it harder to chew and speak. A dental night guard can protect your gums and jawbone by reducing the stress placed on them.
Relief of Pain and Discomfort
Bruxism can cause pain and discomfort in various parts of your head and neck. The strain on your jaw muscles can result in headaches, earaches, facial pain, and stiffness. The disorder can also trigger or worsen TMJ disorders, which are problems with the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull.
TMJ disorders can cause clicking or popping sounds in your jaw, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, and chronic pain in your jaw, face, neck, and shoulders. A dental night guard can relieve pain and discomfort by relaxing your jaw muscles and allowing them to heal.
To learn more about night guards, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.
Share18 July 2023
After dealing with a few root canals, I realized that it was time to take my dental hygiene a more seriously. I talked with my dentist about what I could do differently, and he was full of great suggestions that would help. He walked me through different ways to brush, floss, and take care of tartar buildup, and it was really amazing to see the difference that it made. I also started taking a fluoride supplement to strengthen my enamel. When I made it to my next appointment, my dentist was blown away with the improvement. This blog is all about improving your dental appointments by keeping your teeth healthier.
