5 Reasons Why You Should Wear a Night Guard

If you are having trouble sleeping at night or waking up with a headache almost every day, you might have a dental condition called bruxism, also known as teeth grinding. It is a common dental concern that often occurs during sleep. It can damage your teeth, cause jaw pain, and even lead to chronic fatigue.

One of the most effective ways to manage and overcome teeth grinding at night is by wearing a night guard. In this blog, we will list down 5 reasons why you should wear one!

Reasons Why You Should Wear a Night Guard

If you suspect signs linked to bruxism, wearing a night guard can help in the following ways:

1. Protect Your Teeth

Grinding or clenching your teeth at night can wear down your enamel, causing cracks, chips, or other damage. A night guard acts like a cushion between your teeth, stopping them from grinding against each other and helping you avoid serious tooth damage.

2. Reduce Jaw Pain

Bruxism can cause your jaw muscles to tighten and become sore, leading to jaw pain, headaches, or even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. A night guard helps distribute the pressure from grinding, easing tension, and making your jaw feel better.

3. Promote Better Sleep

Teeth grinding can disrupt your sleep, leaving you feeling tired during the day. Wearing a night guard can help relax your jaw, reduce grinding, and lead to deeper, more peaceful sleep for both you and your partner.

4. Keep Dental Work Safe

If you have previously received dental work such as crowns, veneers, or bridges, grinding can wear them down or cause them to break. A night guard adds a layer of protection to help your dental work last longer without damage.

5. Save Money on Dental Bills

Fixing the damage caused by grinding can be expensive. Dental crowns, root canals, and implants are all expensive procedures. A night guard is a simple and affordable way to prevent those problems and avoid costly dental treatments later on.

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What to Consider When Choosing a Night Guard

A night guard can be worn on either the top or bottom jaw. Here is what to consider:

  1. Choose a night guard that feels comfortable. Many people prefer bottom guards because they’re less bulky.
  2. Follow your dentist’s advice, as they will recommend the best option tailored to your bite, jaw conditions, and grinding habits.
  3. If you have crowns or veneers, wearing the guard on the opposite jaw can help protect those restorations.

Final Word

Wearing a night guard is an effective solution for individuals who experience teeth grinding at night. It offers multiple benefits, including teeth protection, reduced jaw pain, improved sleep, safeguarded dental work, and lower costs for future dental treatments.

Choosing the right night guard depends on your current oral health, dental work, comfort, jaw conditions, and grinding habits.

Get your custom night guard made at Richmond Dental Care, which promises a perfect fit, maximum comfort, and long-term oral care. Call us at (832) 612-2831.