7 Reasons to Wear a Dental Night Guard
If you find yourself getting up with discomfort in your jaw, headaches, and/or sensitive teeth, you might be grinding or clenching your teeth while sleeping. Many people don’t notice that they are doing this until the dentist observes it on a dental exam. That’s why Rising Dental Practices often recommends to their patients to use night guards to keep their smiles protected. We believe that the power of your smile is invaluable. So, it should not be overly expensive to maintain it in a healthy way.
Night guards are very simple, custom-made dental products that patients wear at night. So, their teeth do not grind against each other while they are sleeping. Night guards are small, easily used, and often have a very positive life-changing effect on a person's daily comfort and long-term dental health.
The following are seven ways in which wearing a night guard can positively change your daily comfort and overall oral health for many years to come.
1. Prevents damage caused by teeth grinding (or bruxism)
Night guards serve many purposes. But one of the main applications is to alleviate the damage caused by bruxism (teeth grinding). It provides a cushioning effect so you won't be grinding your teeth against each other. Our expert dentists often identify early signs of bruxism during a routine check-up. After that, proper treatments can be initiated before any severe damage occurs.
Also Read:Bad Breath Isn't Always a Mouth Problem: Surprising Causes You Should Know
2. Prevents jaw pain
Teeth grinding can cause headaches and jaw pain. Grinding while sleeping can cause excessive wear to jaw muscles and joints due to the physical tension. Since a night guard prevents constant pressure on your jaw, many people notice relief in their jaw pain within days of treatment.
3. Protects enamel
Your enamel is tough but not indestructible—or at least, it won’t regenerate once lost. Repeatedly grinding away at night can destroy your enamel, leaving your sensitive inner layers exposed. It can also cause discomfort and an increased chance of developing cavities. Wearing a night guard allows for a cushion between your teeth/temporomandibular (TM) joint. This takes away some of the pressure on your enamel. Plus, it helps in lifting the load off of it and protects it from future damage.
4. Reduces headaches
A night guard can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of stress headaches due to teeth grinding. It releases the pressure from your teeth, relaxes your jaw, and reduces the pressure placed on your temples. As a result, the risk of headaches decreases.
5. Improves night’s sleep
Many people do not realize how grinding their teeth affects their ability to get a good night’s rest. Clenching your teeth throughout the night puts your body in a constant state of stress and tension. This can make it difficult for you to go into deep sleep as your body struggles to deal with the stress created by your jaw muscles. With a night guard, the stress caused by teeth clenching is reduced. So, one can enjoy their deep sleep and also notice improvement in their energy levels, mood, and overall well-being.
6. Protects your restorations
When you make an investment in a restoration, such as a crown or veneer, you want to ensure it lasts. Grinding your teeth can chip, fracture and loosen any kind of restoration. A custom night guard protects both your natural teeth and your restored teeth from potential grinding damage. Many of the patients at Rising Dental Practices choose a guard for the sole purpose of protecting the life of their cosmetic and/or restorative treatment.
7. Saves money in the long run
If left untreated, bruxism can cause serious damage to your teeth. It can result in the need for root canal therapy, gum surgery, and expensive dental implant treatments. A night guard is a modest price to pay compared to the costs associated with treating dental damage in the future. Consult a professional dental practice to find whether or not a guard is a good fit for you.
Conclusion:
The smile symbolizes a person's confidence, comfort, and well-being. So, it is considered one of the strongest assets that you can possess. Grinding or bruxism at night is one way that your smile's value can be reduced without you realizing until it’s too late. The most straightforward way to avoid dental damage from grinding your teeth is by using a night guard. It protects your teeth, as well as reduces tension in your jaw, while ensuring healthy teeth over time.
If you suffer from headaches, morning stiffness, pain, or enamel wear, then contact Rising Dental Practices to begin your treatment plan. Our expert treatment can help you prevent further damage to your oral health with preventative care. We offer tailored, effective, and affordable solutions specifically to our clients’ needs.
Call us now for your consultation and to discover the wide range of night guards or dental treatments. We can help you maintain a bright smile full of confidence and comfort.
You Can Also Read:Got Your Dental X-ray Done? Here’s Why it Matters!
