The Benefit of Night Guards

Grinding one’s teeth is a bad habit that can occur while someone is awake and while someone sleeps. An individual who grinds his or her teeth will usually be unaware of the fact, leading to more pain and ruining one’s teeth. Fortunately, there is a treatment to help with teeth grinding in the form of night guards. A night guard holds more benefits than simply preventing teeth grinding while one sleeps.

Grinding teeth in one’s sleep

Grinding teeth at night may not seem like too serious of a problem to some, but it can cause serious damage to one’s teeth if it continues for a long period of time. Teeth grinding is referred to as bruxism and can cause more than simple damage to one’s teeth. According to the American Dental Association, ADA, symptoms of teeth grinding can include:

• Dull headaches
• Jaw soreness
• Teeth that are painful or loose
• Fractured teeth

While some people can deal with teeth grinding through simple therapy, others may need more extensive treatment. People grinding their teeth in their sleep will find it more difficult to stop. Treatment for bruxism depends entirely on the individual. Some people may not need extensive treatment or treatment at all.

The Mayo Clinic explains that “if the problem is severe, treatment options include certain dental approaches, therapies and medications.” In some cases, a patient may wear a night guard to help prevent the grinding of teeth.

Helping with more than just the teeth

Night guards are customized to each patient and will fit around the upper and sometimes lower teeth. If a patient needs something to prevent teeth grinding and allow for uninterrupted sleep, then a night guard may be the best solution. The Mayo Clinic explains that various forms of night guards and splints “are designed to keep teeth separated to avoid the damage caused by clenching and grinding.”

A night guard will help with more than just teeth grinding as, “They can be constructed of hard acrylic or soft materials and fit over your upper or lower teeth,” the Mayo Clinic explains. By using a night guard, a patient will be able to wake up with less jaw pain and no headaches.

Night guards can help ensure a restful night of painless sleep for anyone struggling with bruxism or teeth grinding. If you find that you wake up each morning with unexplainable headaches or wake up feeling exhausted, then you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep. If you are experiencing pain in your teeth or other dental issues, it may not be due to teeth grinding.

Metro Smiles Dental

At Metro Smiles Dental in Forest Hills, we will customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule. Our professional staff creates a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. We will identify any dental issues you are struggling with and find the best solution.

Our staff will create a calm and comforting atmosphere at the office to ease patients into the procedure. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of pristine oral health. At Metro Smiles Dental, your dental health is our prime concern.