A night guard refers to a custom-made oral appliance that you wear over your teeth as you sleep. It’s custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly, so it feels comfy and won’t bother you when you’re asleep. But why would your dentist ask you to wear this overnight in the first place?
A night guard can bring many preventive benefits that will help you avoid serious dental damage. Your dentist can fine-tune the appliance to suit your unique oral health goals.
You might feel more sure of yourself choosing this dental treatment when you know all the good things it can do for you. Read on to learn three reasons your dentist might suggest wearing a night guard as you sleep.
Protect Your Smile While You Sleep
Treat Mild Sleep Apnea
Many people may develop a sleep disorder known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This can cause brief cessations in breathing as you sleep as the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses. Untreated sleep apnea may lead to cognitive problems and strain on the body that can put you at serious risk of heart attacks and other concerns.
Your doctor can help you treat sleep apnea, but mild cases can benefit from treatments from your dentist with a night guard. This appliance will keep the jaw aligned during sleep to prevent tissue collapse that will block the airway.
Then you can see improvements in your sleep quality and prevent major health problems. Learn if a night guard can aid your specific case of sleep apnea by talking to your dentist today.
Stop a Teeth-Grinding Habit
Teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism, is a common habit that often stems from high stress levels. Many people do not realize they grate their teeth together, exerting high pressure on the teeth that can spread to the jaw. Then you can see an increased risk of jaw problems like TMJ disorders or even tooth breakage.
Patients who grind their teeth as they sleep may need intervention from a dentist to stop this behavior. The dentist will recommend that these patients wear a night guard. This can cushion the teeth against the grinding so that they will not see damage or strain from this behavior.
Preserve Your Smile
A night guard can help a dental patient preserve their oral health in many ways. But it can also protect the look and feel of your smile from other types of dental damage.
For instance, untreated bruxism can push teeth out of their straight position or create cracks and chips in the teeth. Avoid the need for extra dental work and prevent this damage by visiting a dentist. A night guard will ensure your teeth don’t become crooked or irregular by inhibiting this harmful habit.
Reduce Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders
If you frequently experience jaw pain, clicking, or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth, you might have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. TMJ disorders are often linked to teeth grinding or clenching. This puts extra stress on the jaw joint.
A night guard can help by reducing the pressure on your jaw and keeping it in a more relaxed position. This can alleviate pain and discomfort, making it easier to eat, speak, and yawn without discomfort. A night guard could provide much-needed relief when you’re struggling with jaw pain.
Prevent Headaches and Migraines
Many people who grind their teeth or clench their jaws at night wake up with headaches or migraines. This is because the constant pressure on your jaw muscles can strain the surrounding areas, including your temples and neck.
A night guard helps by reducing the strain on your jaw muscles, which can prevent tension headaches and migraines. If you frequently wake up with a headache, a night guard might be the key to a more comfortable morning.
Protect Dental Work
grinding your teeth can put these restorations at risk, like crowns, fillings, and implants. The excessive force from grinding can cause them to crack, chip, or even come loose.
A night guard provides a protective layer that shields your dental work from damage. This not only saves you from costly repairs but also ensures your restorations last as long as possible.
Improve Sleep Quality
Wearing a night guard can improve your overall sleep quality by addressing grinding, clenching, and mild sleep apnea. You’ll enjoy a deeper and more restful sleep when you’re not constantly waking up because of discomfort or breathing interruptions. Better sleep can have a positive impact on your energy levels, mood, and overall health.
Custom Fit for Maximum Comfort
Unlike over-the-counter night guards, a custom-made night guard from your dentist is designed to fit your teeth perfectly. This ensures maximum comfort and effectiveness. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create a night guard that fits snugly and doesn’t slip or cause irritation.
Learn more by visiting your general and preventative dentist at Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry in Towson, MD. We offer oral health care that will keep your smile healthy and beautiful.