What is a Night Guard Supposed to Do?
Bruxism is the medical term when you grind or clench your teeth and jaws. Grinding is the moving of your jaw back and forth. Clenching refers to you biting down with excessive force for periods of time. Bruxism is a common condition and usually occurs during sleep or when you are stressed. Most people do not even know they grind their teeth in their sleep until they are told by either their sleep partner or their dentist.
Grinding teeth over time during sleep can cause extensive damage to both the structure and enamel of your teeth, which can lead to either decay or increased sensitivity. It can also cause headaches, disrupt your sleep, and result in pain in your jaw, face, and neck.
Factors that can increase your chances of developing bruxism include:
- Your Age- Bruxism is more common in young children.
- Personality Type- If you are naturally competitive, aggressive, or hyperactive, you are more likely to experience bruxism.
- Emotionally Intense- Many people unconsciously grind their teeth when stressed or when they feel angry or frustrated.
- Certain Medications and Substances- Tobacco use, drinking caffeine or alcohol, and certain psychiatric medications will increase your risk of bruxism.
- Other Health Conditions- Bruxism can also be associated with other conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, sleep apnea, epilepsy, and attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder.
What Is a Custom Night Guard?
A night guard looks like the trays used for teeth whitening and sits snuggly on your teeth to protect them from grinding or clenching. The night guard may also be referred to as an occlusal splint, occlusal guard, or bite splint. A teeth protector for sleeping does not actually completely stop you from clenching or grinding your teeth, but it does shield and cushion your teeth from excessive wear and helps re-establish the natural space between your upper and lower teeth.
Your dentist might recommend a night guard to help you with morning headaches, for TMJ jaw pain relief, and to prevent damage to your teeth, crowns, jaw, or dental restorations.
Why Is It Beneficial to Get a Night Guard for Jaw Clenching?
Ignoring your bruxism symptoms can easily result in serious dental issues requiring expensive dental treatments. As an example, bruxism can cause toothaches by fracturing teeth. If you grind your teeth you can experience up to two millimeters of enamel erosion as a young adult, which increases your risk for cavities. Jaw clenching can subject your jaw and teeth to as much as 40 minutes of intensive pressure per hour, which will cause jaw and muscle pain.
You can buy less expensive night guards at a local retail store, yet there are a few reasons why it is worth seeing your dentist for a custom-fitted night guard:
- A custom-fitted night guard will make sure that your jaw is in proper alignment, which will help with TMJ jaw pain relief.
- A custom-fitted night guard will fit properly, which makes it more comfortable and will not fall out during the night.
- Custom-fitted night guards last longer because they are made from better materials.
Will a Night Guard Provide TMJ Jaw Pain Relief?
Although a night guard is not the only treatment available for bruxism for TMJ joint pain, it is an affordable, convenient, and a non-invasive option. A properly fitted night guard shifts your jaw and teeth into proper alignment, which will alleviate jaw tension, pain, headaches, and other symptoms of TMJ syndrome.