Nighttime teeth grinding or bruxism affects many people and is often undiagnosed until the damage is visible. Patients may present with symptoms, like jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, or headaches, without knowing that nighttime grinding might be the cause. Custom mouthguards help prevent damage to the teeth caused by bruxism.
This blog explains the benefits of dental mouthguards for nighttime grinding. Learn how they can help you make an informed decision and protect your long-term oral health.
What You Need to Know About Dental Mouthguards
Dental mouthguards are protective appliances that patients need to wear over their teeth during sleep to prevent damage from grinding and clenching. Unlike store-bought mouthguards, custom-made mouthguards by a dentist closely fit your bite and offer protection and comfort.
Studies show that custom mouthguards reduce tooth wear and help decrease strain on the jaw muscles and joints. These mouthguards are a reliable and conservative treatment for managing nighttime teeth grinding.
Five Benefits of Dental Mouthguards for Nighttime Teeth Grinding
Let us see how dental mouthguards for nighttime teeth grinding benefit:
Protecting teeth from damage: Dental mouthguards create a barrier that absorbs pressure and prevents teeth from grinding against each other.
Jaw pain relief: Teeth grinding puts pressure on the jaw muscles and the joints. Dental mouthguards help redistribute bite forces and reduce excessive muscle activity resulting in less morning stiffness, pain, and TMJ discomfort.
Relief from morning headaches: Patients with bruxism experience morning headaches due to overnight teeth grinding. Dental mouthguards help reduce strain on the jaw muscles and temporalis muscles.Protect dental restorations: Crowns, fillings, veneers, and teeth opposing implants can be damaged by grinding forces. Dental mouthguards protect these restorations by limiting the grinding forces.
Improves sleep: Teeth grinding can disrupt sleep, often without the patient being aware of it. Mouthguards allow a restful sleep by preventing disturbances.
Limitations of a Dental Mouthguard
While dental mouthguards are helpful for teeth protection, there are some restrictions, such as:
- Dental mouthguards do not treat the underlying causes, such as stress or sleep apnea, but they protect the teeth from damage.
- If you are using store-bought mouthguards, they will not fit properly and will cause discomfort.
- Most night guards last 1–5 years depending on material and grinding severity.
- Patients must clean their night guard daily to prevent bacteria and odor buildup.
- Some patients with severe TMJ disorder may require additional treatment beyond a night guard.
Who Should Get an Urgent Custom Dental Mouthguard?
Patients who need an urgent custom dental mouthguard include:
- Patients with cracked, sensitive, or worn-out teeth.
- Patients who wake up with jaw pain, headache, or pressure in their ears.
- Patients who have broken fillings, damaged veneers, or chipped crowns due to teeth grinding.
- Patients diagnosed with bruxism.
- Patients with TMJ discomfort associated with clenching.
The Last Message
Nighttime teeth grinding can severely damage your teeth. If it becomes habitual, you may experience severe morning jaw pain. Dental mouthguards help manage the condition and protect your teeth.
Get an evaluation with the specialist at Precision Smile Dentistry and experience the benefits of dental mouthguards for nighttime teeth grinding. Call us at (540) 300 2255 for an appointment today at our Stafford location, OR at (202) 552 0077 for Washington.