A lot can happen inside your mouth while you’re sleeping. The buildup of bacteria and the possibilities of teeth grinding can be extremely harmful to the health of your mouth. Bruxism is the official term for grinding or clenching your teeth involuntarily. Over time this action can produce complications such as TMJ or other jaw complications, teeth wear, and even headaches. There’s a common solution to help those who are prone to teeth grinding.
Bring in the night guard! A night guard is a transparent plastic piece that separates and protects the biting surfaces in your mouth. For some people, the thought of having to wear a night guard seems uncomfortable. No one wants their sleep affected. However, the effects that bruxism has on your teeth are well worth the extra maintenance. The doctors at Dentistry at East Piedmont work hard and flawlessly to create custom night guards that eliminate the consequences of teeth grinding. Let’s take a quick look at what wearing a mouth guard could do for your bruxism.
Wear and Tear
You might not be able to notice the teeth deterioration your nightly grinding is causing, but your dentist definitely sees this gradual wear down of your pearly whites. This can lead to other oral complications such as cavities, discoloration, sensitivity, and cracking. Bruxism profoundly damages the enamel of your teeth, and with added pressure, it’s sure to cause long-term effects. Investing in a night guard will help prevent damage to your teeth and protect them from any clenching or grinding while you sleep.
Good Sleep
A major part of good health is sleeping soundly. If you’re not feeling rested even after proper sleep or having a difficult time staying asleep, you may be suffering from bruxism. The clenching of your jaw and grinding of your teeth causes a lot of discomfort throughout your body. This can keep you from resting properly. Wearing a night guard will help your jaw to relax and result in sounder sleep.
TMJ and Jaw Pain
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, affects the muscles in our jaw that we use to chew. This disorder can be very painful and can lead to many other health issues. The added pressure on your ligaments, nerves, and muscles in your jaw from bruxism can cause TMJ to form. Wearing a night guard can relieve a lot of this pressure. It also allows your brain to communicate that your jaw is safe to relax during sleep.
Headaches
Have you ever woken up with a dull headache or aching neck pain? Bruxism may be a possible cause. Many muscles are used for our jaw to bite down. Constantly clenching your jaw during your sleep, engages all those muscles for a long period of time and can cause neck pain, which can lead to headaches. Wearing a night guard will relax your jaw foregoing all pain related to clenching.
Dental Savings
A great smile is priceless. Fixing the adverse effects of teeth grinding can be expensive. That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in a night guard at the first signs of bruxism. This can save you a lot of money and pain in the long run and keeps your smile from requiring any problematic repairs.
Whether you have questions on night guards or simply want more information on cosmetic service options, Dentistry at East Piedmont is always here to advise and educate. Reach out to our Marietta dental practice today or make an appointment for a free virtual dental assessment!
