A night guard is a very beneficial way to take extra care of your teeth. There are quite a few reasons to wear one, and your dentist will be able to provide you with one if needed.
So what is a night guard? A night guard is a custom fit, retainer-like piece that fits over your teeth. Usually, it is just for your top jaw, but sometimes your dentist will recommend one that fits over your bottom jaw as well.
Why would your dentist recommend a night guard to you?
Below are several reasons why you need a night guard for your teeth:
- Tension headaches brought on by repeatedly clenching your teeth.
- Habitual tooth grinding in your sleep.
- TMJ caused by clenching, grinding, or jaw damage.
- Regular wear and tear of your enamel over time.
- General bruxism. Bruxism is the medical term for involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth.
- Protecting cracked, chipped, or broken teeth from further damage.
- Improved breathing as you sleep to reduce snoring.
As you can see, there are several reasons why you need a night guard for your teeth.
There are also many benefits to wearing a night guard as well:
- Improved sleep. People who grind, snore, or clench in their sleep will often wake themselves up doing so. Wearing a night guard will keep this from happening, and allow you to have an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
- Reduced headaches. People who suffer from bruxism, usually deal with tension headaches as a side effect. When you use a night guard, it creates a cushion between your teeth to reduce the pressure and relieve constant headaches.
- Prevents jaw aches. The strain of bruxism can cause aching and soreness in your jaw. A night guard will keep you from causing further pain and damage to your jaw.
- Tooth protection. Bruxism can do a lot of damage to your teeth. Over time, your teeth will become more and more prone to cracks, chips, and breaks. Your night guard will act like a shield against these risks.
- Stops snoring. Some night guards can be specially made to improve the position of your jaw as you sleep. This helps you breathe better and to stop snoring as you sleep. Talk to your dentist about available options for this issue if it applies to you.
- Provides support. Especially helpful for seniors, a night guard holds teeth that have suffered bone loss straight and still. Since it is molded to the teeth, it can serve a dual purpose as a retainer for those at risk of shifting teeth due to age or bruxism.
Now that you have seen all the reasons to and benefits of wearing a night guard, you will not have to worry or be apprehensive about your dentist recommending one for you! Night guards are extremely useful tools, and can greatly improve your quality of life. Remember to keep up with regularly scheduled dental cleanings and checkups! Contact us today!