Do I Need a Night Guard for Teeth Grinding?
Do you ever wake up with a sore jaw or headache? If so, you may be grinding your teeth at night. Over time, teeth grinding wears away enamel and puts you at higher risk for fractures, , or even tooth loss. The good news is that wearing a night guard from our West Columbus, OH, dentist may help relieve your symptoms.
Here’s and whether you need a custom night guard.
What Is Bruxism?
is the medical term for grinding or clenching teeth. Many people are unaware that they grind their teeth at night until it’s brought up by their dentist during a routine dental exam. Your partner may also alert you to teeth grinding if it’s loud enough to wake them up at night.
Symptoms of bruxism include:
- Worn tooth enamel
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Jaw pain
- Neck pain
- Tooth pain
- Fractured, chipped, or loose teeth
- TMJ disorders
The force exerted from teeth grinding overworks your jaw muscles so you wake up feeling sore. If left untreated, bruxism can wear down your teeth to the point where Dr. Gibson may recommend you get porcelain crowns or other tooth restorations to repair your smile. Thankfully, night guards protect your smile from teeth grinding and save you money in the long run.
How Does a Night Guard Protect My Teeth?
A night guard is an oral appliance you wear while you sleep that forms a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth. By redistributing the forces exerted during bruxism, it minimizes the wear and tear on your teeth and reduces the likelihood of fractures or chips.
During your first appointment, Dr. Gibson will take dental impressions and send them to the lab where your bruxism guard will be made. Once your night guard is ready, you will be called back to our Hilliard, OH, dental office. Before sending you home with your new night guard, Dr. Gibson may make slight adjustments to the fit so you can breathe and sleep comfortably.
Why Choose a Custom-Made Night Guard?
While over-the-counter night guards are available, they often fall short in terms of effectiveness and comfort. A night guard crafted specifically for your teeth, provides several advantages such as:
- Superior fit: Custom night guards are tailored to your bite, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit that stays in place throughout the night.
- Durability: Made from high-quality materials, a custom bite splint is designed to withstand the pressures of bruxism and last longer than generic options.
- Personalization: A custom night guard can be adjusted to suit your specific needs, addressing issues like jaw alignment or TMJ pain.
Why Is Wearing a Night Guard Important?
A night guard is one of the best ways you can cushion your teeth if you have a tendency to grind them at night. If you are tired of waking up with jaw or neck pain, you’ll want to ask our dentist about . You might be surprised by how well-rested you’ll feel after wearing your dental night guard for the first time.
Teeth grinding is a hard habit to kick, especially if you’re under a lot of stress. Thankfully, a night guard can protect your smile so you can get a good night’s sleep.
The upfront cost of a custom night guard may seem higher, but it is far less expensive than the cumulative cost that comes with needing to repair damaged teeth over time. A single crown or root canal can cost a fair amount, not to mention the potential for repeat procedures if bruxism continues to damage your teeth. By wearing a night guard while you sleep, you can preserve your natural teeth and avoid these financial burdens.
Request an Appointment With Us
Our dentist serving Columbus, OH, is proud to offer custom night guards to help relieve jaw pain and other symptoms associated with bruxism. To and learn if you need a night guard, call Gibson Dental at (614) 878-9562.
This blog post has been updated.