Do you wake up with jaw pain or headaches? Your partner may have complained that you grind your teeth at night. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is something that millions of people are coping with. The good news is that dental night guards can save your teeth and provide you with better sleep.
What Is Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding occurs when you clench or grind your teeth together. Most people do this when they are asleep, and they are not aware of it. Others grind their teeth during the day when they are stressed or anxious
The grinding motion can be loud to the extent of waking up your sleeping partner. Even when it is silent, the harm to your teeth can be severe in the long run.
Common Teeth Grinding Causes
Understanding the causes of teeth grinding can assist you in dealing with the issue. The greatest culprit is stress. When stressed about work, family, or money, your body remains tense while sleeping.
Sleep disorders also play a role. People with sleep apnoea tend to grind their teeth. Discuss sleep testing with your doctor if you snore loudly or feel tired after a full night of sleep.
Other causes of teeth grinding include:
- Consuming excessive caffeine, particularly in the evening
- Drinking alcohol before bedtime
- Some drugs, especially antidepressants
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Crooked or missing teeth
- An abnormal bite occurs when your teeth do not line up correctly
- Some people have a genetic predisposition to grind their teeth.
Signs You Need a Night Guard
Grinding teeth is something that many people are not aware of until their dentist notices the damage. The following are warning signs to be on the lookout for:
- Your teeth are worn or flattened on top.
- You may see chips or cracks.
- Your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold foods.
- Your jaw muscle aches or is stiff, particularly when you wake up.
- Another common symptom is a headache that begins at the temples.
- Some develop earaches without any problem with their ears.
- When you bite your tongue or cheek while sleeping, that is also a red flag.
What Are Dental Night Guards?
A dental night guard is a protective device you place over your teeth when sleeping. The guard forms a shield between your lower and upper teeth, so they do not grind against each other.
Night guards may also be called night mouth guards, dental mouth guards, or dental guards. They all perform the same task: to save your teeth against the destruction of grinding and clenching.
Night Guard Benefits
There are some significant benefits of using a dental guard. First, it prevents damage to your teeth. Grinding can cause your enamel to wear away, teeth to chip, or even crack. Repairing this damage is costly and time-consuming dental work.
A night mouth guard also lessens jaw pain and muscle tension. Clenching your teeth makes the muscles in your jaw overwork. The guard assists your jaw in relaxing into a more natural position.
Another significant benefit is better sleep. When your jaw isn’t fighting against grinding, you will sleep better. Many people report that headaches and earaches disappear after using a guard regularly.
Your dental work also lasts longer. A dental mouth guard also protects crowns, fillings, and veneers if you have them.
Types of Mouthguards Available
There are several options when selecting a night guard. Knowing the various types of mouthguards will enable you to make the most appropriate choice based on your requirements and budget.
- Stock mouth guards are the least expensive. They are available in most drugstores. They are available in small, medium, and large sizes. They do not, however, fit very well and are uncomfortable.
- Boil-and-bite guards are more comfortable. You soften them in hot water, and bite them to make an impression of your teeth. These are more effective than stock guards, but they are not perfect.
- Custom night guards offer the best protection and comfort. Your dentist takes a mould of your teeth and sends it to a laboratory. The lab makes a guard that fits in your mouth.
- Custom vs Over-the-Counter Options
The store-bought guards may be tempting since they are cheaper in the short term. However, custom mouth guards have great benefits that justify their additional cost.
Custom night guards are perfect-fitting since they are customized to your teeth. This implies greater comfort and protection. You will wear a better-fitting guard, which translates to better results.
Custom mouth guards are made of higher-quality materials. They are longer-lasting and offer better protection than the cheaper ones. Although the initial cost is higher, you save in the long run since you do not have to replace them frequently.
Your dentist can also adjust a custom dental guard if needed. Small modifications can correct the issue in case of a change in bite or if the guard is uncomfortable.
Caring for Your Night Guard
Proper care will keep your dental guard clean and make it last longer. Rinse in cool water before and after use. Once a week, brush it lightly with a toothbrush and a mild soap.
Keep your guard in its case when you are not wearing it. This protects it against wear and tear and dirt. Avoid leaving it in hot areas such as your car’s dashboard because it can cause the material to warp.
Bring your guard to dental check-ups so your dentist can check whether it is worn out or damaged. They are also able to provide it with a thorough cleaning when you visit it.
Making the Investment
A night guard is an investment in your oral health. A custom guard is far cheaper than you would pay to fix damaged teeth in the future. Most dental insurance plans will help pay some of the cost, particularly when your dentist records medical necessity.
Discuss payment options with your dentist if you are worried about cost. Most offices have payment plans that make treatment more affordable.
Bottom Line
Teeth grinding does not need to destroy your teeth and interfere with sleep. Dental night guards provide a good solution to enhance your quality of life. Although custom mouth guards are more expensive up front, they are more protective and comfortable than their store-bought counterparts.
If you think you grind your teeth, do not postpone. Schedule an appointment with your dentist at Bayswater Dentist to discuss your options. Your teeth and sleep will be grateful that you took action before more serious problems occur.