Bruxism Nightguards Keep Your Smile Safe While You Sleep
How often do you wake up in the morning rubbing your jaw, wondering where the pain came from? Or do you have problems with your teeth that you can’t explain? If so, you might have bruxism, a condition where you unconsciously clench your jaw or grind your teeth.
Bruxism can happen at night or when you’re awake. For some people, this grinding can be severe and lead to damaged teeth, headaches, and jaw disorders. It can be hard to diagnose because most people aren’t thinking about the fact that they are clenching their jaw. When it happens at night, you aren’t even awake to notice it!
There are certain signs to look for to determine if you have bruxism and might need a nightguard:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Your partner telling you that you grind your teeth
- Flat, chipped, or fractured teeth
- Pain in jaw muscles, or locked jaw
- Headaches or earaches without other explanations.
The good news is that a nightguard can make a big difference. These fitted mouthpieces allow you to sleep comfortably without grinding your teeth.
A guard can prevent tooth damage, saving you the cost of tooth restoration and the pain of broken or chipped teeth. It can also help prevent Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), where your jaw muscles don’t work correctly and cause severe pain.
When you use a well-fitted nightguard, your teeth are cushioned and will not grind together. It helps you avoid tightening your jaw muscles as well. In the end, you’ll get much better sleep and be protected from a variety of dental problems.
Interested in getting a nightguard, or curious if you might have bruxism? Set up an appointment with Comfort Dental Spa today. We can evaluate your situation and help you decide if a mouthguard at night can help reduce your pain and improve your sleep.
