Night Guards: Protecting Your Teeth While You Sleep

Do you grind your teeth or clench your jaw while you sleep? If so, you may be damaging your teeth without even realizing it. Fortunately, there's a simple and effective solution: a night guard. In this article, we'll discuss what night guards are, how they work, and why you might need one.

What Are Night Guards?

Night guards are oral appliances that are worn while you sleep to protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding and clenching. They are typically made of soft, comfortable materials that mold to the shape of your teeth and gums.

How Do Night Guards Work?

Night guards work by creating a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, which prevents them from coming into contact with each other. This reduces the amount of pressure and friction on your teeth, which can help prevent damage such as:

• Cracked or chipped teeth

• Worn enamel

• Jaw pain and discomfort

• Headaches

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder

Night guards also help to distribute the forces of grinding and clenching more evenly across your teeth, which can reduce the risk of damage.

Why Might You Need a Night Guard?

Night guards are recommended for people who grind or clench their teeth, a condition known as bruxism. Bruxism can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:

• Stress and anxiety

• Misaligned teeth or a bad bite

• Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea

If left untreated, bruxism can lead to significant damage to your teeth, as well as other oral health problems.

Even if you don't have bruxism, you may still benefit from a night guard if you participate in contact sports or other activities that increase the risk of dental injury. Night guards can help protect your teeth from impact and reduce the risk of damage.

What Can You Expect from a Night Guard?

Getting a night guard is a simple and painless process. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fitted night guard that is comfortable and effective.

You may experience some mild discomfort or difficulty speaking or swallowing when you first start wearing your night guard, but this should improve within a few days. With regular use, your night guard should feel comfortable and natural.

It's important to follow your dentist's instructions for caring for your night guard, which may include:

• Rinsing it with water before and after use

• Cleaning it with a toothbrush and toothpaste or a special cleaning solution

• Storing it in a clean, dry place

With proper care, your night guard should last for several years.

Protect Your Teeth with a Night Guard

If you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep, a night guard can help protect your teeth from damage and prevent other oral health problems. Talk to your dentist today to learn more about night guards and how they can benefit you.