Reasons Why You Should Wear a Night Guard

A night guard is a custom-fit retainer-like appliance worn while you sleep to prevent teeth from grinding and clenching. Grinding your teeth can damage your jaw joint, causing pain in your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) or popping/clicking when you open your mouth.

Custom-made night guards from your dentist are individually molded to fit your mouth and prevent nighttime teeth grinding. They are made of soft plastic, which is comfortable to wear and keeps you from unconsciously grinding your teeth. At Dawson Modern Dentistry, our professionals may recommend a night guard if your teeth are sensitive because teeth grinding wears down the enamel on your teeth.

Types of Night Guards

Soft Occlusal Guards

These are made from a soft, flexible material that covers your mouth’s upper or lower arch and prevents future tooth wear. They offer minimal protection and are a good option for those who suffer from mild bruxism.

Hard Occlusal Guards

These complex plastic appliances help protect your teeth from nighttime grinding when worn during the night. They fit comfortably over the biting surface of your teeth and are an effective treatment option for those with moderate or severe bruxism.

Custom-Made Night Guards

These custom mouthguards fit comfortably in your mouth and protect your teeth from the harmful forces of nighttime grinding and other jaw-related complications. Made from high-quality materials, they are built to last for years and offer maximum protection at an affordable price.

Reasons Why You Should Wear a Night Guard

Preventing Tooth Damage

There are several reasons why patients should wear a night guard, but preventing tooth damage is one of the biggest. The night guard keeps teeth adequately aligned so that they don’t rub against each other and create friction that can wear down the enamel and cause small chips or cracks to form on the tooth’s surface. This can also happen with bruxism, another common reason people use night guards. If worn consistently, the night guard can prevent unnecessary dental trips to repair damaged teeth!

Preventing Headaches and Jaw Pain

Not many people realize that the TMJ, or the jaw joint, also needs protection while you sleep. Your jaw moves while you sleep. This grinding and clenching can cause headaches, earaches, and even migraines. It can also wear down the enamel on your teeth, leading to further health complications like tooth loss or gum disease. To protect yourself, we offer night guards that you wear at night. They are easy to wear and protect you from many common issues you experience while you slumber.

Reducing Clenching and Grinding

People who clench or grind their teeth at night, also called bruxism, are at a greater risk for tooth damage because the pressure applied to the teeth can crack them. Wearing a night guard can help protect your teeth from this damage. Additionally, a night guard can reduce jaw pain associated with clenching or grinding by helping to relax the jaw muscles and reducing stress on the temporomandibular joint.