Teeth Grinding While You Sleep? How a Night Guard Can Help

Waking up with a sore jaw or a dull headache? If so, you may be grinding your teeth at night - a condition known as bruxism. While this habit often goes unnoticed, it can cause significant damage to your teeth and jaw over time. Fortunately, a custom night guard offers an effective solution for protecting your smile and relieving symptoms.
 

Understanding Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, typically during sleep. It can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, misaligned teeth, or sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Because it occurs subconsciously, many patients do not realize they grind their teeth until symptoms such as jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, or worn enamel begin to appear. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to cracked or broken teeth, gum recession, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and chronic headaches.
 

How a Custom Night Guard Helps

A night guard is a dental appliance worn over your teeth while you sleep. Its primary purpose is to cushion the impact of grinding and prevent the upper and lower teeth from touching. While over-the-counter night guards are available, custom-fit options provided by your dentist offer superior protection and comfort.
 

Benefits of a Custom Night Guard

• Personalized Fit for Maximum Comfort: Unlike store-bought guards, a custom night guard is molded to the unique shape of your mouth. This ensures a snug, comfortable fit that won’t disrupt your sleep or fall out during the night.
• Superior Protection for Your Teeth: Custom night guards are made from high-quality, durable materials that are designed to withstand nightly grinding. This protects your enamel and helps prevent further wear or damage to your teeth.
• Jaw Pain and Headache Relief: By reducing the stress placed on your jaw muscles, a night guard can alleviate tension headaches, facial soreness, and jaw discomfort commonly associated with bruxism.
• Reduced Risk of TMJ Disorders: Wearing a custom night guard minimizes the risk of developing or worsening temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders by promoting a more relaxed jaw position during sleep.
• Long-Term Savings: Preventing damage from teeth grinding now can save you from costly restorative dental procedures in the future, such as crowns, root canals, or tooth replacements.

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep and a Healthier Smile

If you suspect you're grinding your teeth at night, don’t wait for serious damage to occur. A custom night guard can help you sleep more comfortably and protect your teeth for years to come.
 

Schedule a consultation with John K. See, DDS,  to learn more about how a custom night guard can benefit your oral health and improve your quality of life. Visit our office in Camarillo, California, or call (805) 482-1984 to book an appointment today.