Around 10% of adults and 15% of kids in America experience bruxism. It happens when people grind or clench their teeth while they are asleep. Since this occurs involuntarily, it is rather hard to stop – but it can be controlled using a night guard.
A night guard is a thin and transparent device that you wear over the biting surfaces of your teeth while sleeping. This way, the top and bottom rows of teeth are prevented from grinding against each other.
There are numerous benefits to using a night guard, such as:
1. Prevents Tooth Damage. When people unconsciously clench their teeth while sleeping, it can result in chipping or breaking of the teeth. It may also damage fillings and can make the teeth sensitive due to excessive enamel wear. However, wearing night guards helps to prevent this type of damage. It already saved a lot of people from the costs of tooth restoration procedures and other dental treatments.
2. Protects Against Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). TMJ is a condition where the muscles used for chewing are tight and sore, and the joint connecting the jaw and the skull experiences some type of dysfunction. One cause of TMJ is bruxism because the pressure of teeth grinding negatively impacts the muscles, nerves, and ligaments around the jaw. Using a night guard can ease muscle fatigue and relieve you from the pain of TMJ.
3. Reduces Headaches. Tension headaches and even chronic headaches can be result of bruxism. The constant grinding and clenching of the teeth cause tension not only in the jaws and ears but also in the head. It is one reason people wake up in wee hours feeling surges of pain in their heads. With the use of a night guard, these headaches would be reduced, if not eliminated, as the pressure in the teeth and jaw is relieved.
4. Improves Sleeping Patterns. The pain caused by bruxism and TMJ can often lead to discomfort during sleep. Ultimately, this affect your quality of sleep. A night guard allows the muscles surrounding the jaw to relax, lending to an overall feeling of relief. It gives you the chance to enjoy a more peaceful and stress-free sleep.
Experts in Advanced Dental Care in St. Paul, Minnesota
If you are looking for a night guard or dental splint, Dr. Steven Hagerman is ready to help. He and his highly qualified and compassionate staff can provide you with a tailor-fit night guard for optimum comfort. At Hagerman Dental Care, you would be provided the very best dental care. Please feel free to call (651) 646-2392 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hagerman or request your appointment now.