How Night Guards Help Prevent Jaw Pain and Tooth Damage

Do you sometimes awaken with a pain in your jaw or with teeth that feel sore? If so, you could be grinding or clenching your teeth at night and not knowing it. Over time, bruxism, or teeth grinding, causes severe damage to both your jaw and your teeth. The wearing of a night guard is one easy and efficient way to deal with the problem. 

Night guards are specially designed devices for a person who wears them on his or her teeth, and while sleeping, they work as a protective shield. If you are looking for night guards near you, they could be the solution for you if you are suffering from jaw pain and tooth problems.

What Are Night Guards, And How Do They Work? 

A night guard is a thin, soft, and comfortable product made of durable plastic. You are allowed to wear it over either your top or bottom jaw when sleeping. It prevents the grinding of the teeth by releasing the friction on the grinding surfaces. 

When teeth grind, it puts a lot of pressure on your enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. Over time, this pressure can cause cracks, chips, or even loose teeth. The guard spreads out this pressure and protects your teeth from harm.

At Lee Dental & Facial, patients often choose night guards in Englewood Cliffs because they are custom-made, which means they fit perfectly and feel more comfortable than store-bought ones.

Do Night Guards Prevent Jaw Pain?

Yes, they can! When you clench your teeth tightly, your jaw muscles stay tense for long hours. This makes your jaw sore and stiff in the morning. In order to allow your jaw muscles to relax, a night guard forms a gentle cushion between your teeth.

Many people with jaw pain from teeth grinding or TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) notice big improvements once they start using a night guard.

How Can Night Guards Stop Tooth Damage?

Your teeth may become weaker and shorter as a result of grinding. In some cases, it can even break a filling or crown. A night guard acts like a shield. It takes the grinding force instead of your natural teeth.

In other words, your teeth remain healthy, your dental restorations have a longer lifespan, and you are not required to spend money on repairs due to grinding.

How long should you wear a mouth guard for TMJ?

Generally, the dentist recommends that the night guard for TMJ be worn every night while sleeping. The trouble with the temporomandibular joint happens due to excessive stress, and hence, the daily use of the guard helps in relaxing the joint.

A few people get relief in some weeks, while others may require a few months. It is determined by the severity of the disorder and how frequently the guard is used. Your dentist will guide you on how long to wear mouth guard for TMJ to get the best results.

Can Night Guards Improve Sleep Quality?

Yes! Grinding and clenching not only damage your teeth but also disturb your sleep. You may wake up tired, with headaches, or jaw soreness. Night guards keep your teeth apart, reducing discomfort and allowing you to sleep better.

Better sleep means more energy during the day and fewer morning headaches.

Are Night Guards Safe And Comfortable?

Many people worry that a guard will feel bulky or hard to wear. Conversely, custom guards are made to precisely fit your mouth. They are lightweight, thin, and easy to clean up.

Dentists make sure the guard feels natural, so after a few nights, most people don’t even notice they are wearing one.

How Should A Night Guard Be Cared For?

It is very important that you keep your night guard clean in order to maintain your oral health. Here are some simple tips: 

• Always rinse it with cold water both before and after use. 
• Brush the night guard gently with a soft toothbrush. 
• Put it in a clean case when it is not being used. 
• Never use hot water because it is possible that the guard can change its shape. 

It takes proper maintenance for a custom guard to be able to stay for years.

Why Should You See A Dentist For A Night Guard Instead Of Buying One At The Store?

Guards that you can buy from the store might be low-priced, but they are not always well-fitted. A poor fit can create more discomfort, and they may not protect your teeth properly. 

Meanwhile, the dentist fabricates a brace by getting the impressions of your teeth. So the guard fits properly and is efficient. A custom night guard is a wiser choice in terms of your oral health in the future.

Can Night Guards Prevent Other Dental Problems?

In addition to protecting the teeth from wear, night guards may also: 

• Reduce tooth sensitivity.
• Reduce gum recession from clenching/grinding pressure.
• Reduce damage to dental work (crowns, veneers, fillings, etc.) from grinding pressure.

Wearing night guards enables you to protect the health of your smile and help prevent more serious dental problems down the road.

When Should You Think About Obtaining A Night Guard?

A night guard could be helpful if you:

• After waking up, you experience jaw pain or your teeth are sore.
• Your teeth look worn down or chipped.
• You get a headache every morning.
• Oral sounds can often accompany the grinding of teeth at night and you might hear these from your partner.

In case you have some or all of these symptoms, it is advisable to seek a dentist or a dental office that you can trust and is near you.

Take The Next Step For Your Smile

Night guards may be a small and easy solution, but they hold great power to give protection to your teeth and jaw. They have the ability to reduce pain, stop teeth deterioration, and even promote restful sleep. If you’re prepared to safeguard your smile, stop by Lee Dental & Facial to find out more about the custom night guards. Book your appointment now.