Did you know that the stress and tension of your day can impact how you sleep? It’s true. Many people grind or clench their teeth while sleeping, without even realizing you’re doing it. Unfortunately, these actions in your sleep can have profoundly negative results for your teeth. While you can’t consciously stop clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth when unconscious, nightguards can help.
By mitigating this problem, you spare your teeth an enormous amount of damage. Lovett Dental North Heights can help people experiencing stress-related teeth grinding or other similar conditions might find nightguards to be an ideal solution. Learn how nightguards can help by talking with your general dentist today.
Why Do People Need Nightguards?
The bottom line is that clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth while you sleep can do a lot of damage. These are just some of the ways these nocturnal acts can hurt your teeth:
- Destroys enamel.
- Wears down chewing surfaces.
- Crack or break teeth.
- Damage cosmetic dental work.
Additionally, you may experience facial tenderness and pain in your neck and jaw throughout the day in the aftermath of your clenching and grinding at night. Other people experience tension headaches as a result, as well. Getting a swift handle on the situation can make a world of difference in your sleep quality and how you feel during the day.
Two primary conditions are commonly associated with the need for mouthguards are bruxism, which is the medical term for teeth grinding, and TMJ disorder.
There are different types of nightguards available. Working with your dental specialist can help you identify and choose one that best meets your needs while ensuring outstanding comfort and a good fit.
Signs You May Need a Nightguard
Unfortunately, the most common signs you need a nightguard often occur due to the damage done to your teeth. However, if you frequently wake up with headaches, neck and jaw pain, or facial pain, you may want to talk to your dentist about what is going on. If your partner complains about you grinding your teeth at night, you will want to see your dentist right away to find out what is going on and address the issue best.
Your dentist may recommend night guards for TMJ or nightguards for bruxism as a solution. Additionally, your dentist may suggest engaging in relaxing, stress-reducing activities before going to bed at night. This is especially true if you feel your teeth grinding results from stress going on at work, at home, or with life in general.
Whether you’re dealing with your problem using nightguards for bruxism or choosing nightguards for TMJ instead, you must use properly fitting nightguards to address your problem.
Why Choose Nightguards from Your Dentist?
Most people are somewhat surprised to discover how much nightguards from your dentist cost. The truth is that these are far superior to what you will find in your local drug store or pharmacy. In fact, what you get from your dentist is customized to your unique smile and bite. That means they fit, without question. The same cannot be said about the “one size fits all” variety most pharmacists carry.
The other benefit is that your dentist can make adjustments to the guard as needed for comfort and fit. That isn’t the case with over-the-counter options. Finally, those you purchase from your dentist can be designed to address specific issues, such as sleep apnea or other potential causes that leave you searching for night guards for bruxism.
Only from your dentist can you get mouthguards that are completely customized to meet your unique needs. If you suspect you are grinding your teeth, you have treatment options available. Contact Lovett Dental North Heights today at 832-617-5531 to learn about those options and schedule an appointment.