Do I Need a Custom Night Guard?
Do you ever wake up with a toothache or jaw pain? If so, you may have bruxism and not even know it. Bruxism is a condition that causes a patient to grind their teeth while sleeping. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to worn enamel, sensitive teeth, and other oral health issues.
Here are some of the signs that you may need a custom night guard.
SENSITIVE TEETH
A number of things can cause sensitive teeth, not just bruxism. That’s why it’s important that you meet with one of our dentists if you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity to cold and heat.
In the case of bruxism, grinding your teeth at night wears away at the enamel. Your enamel is important because it protects the dentin and pulp underneath.
Once you start to lose enamel, heat and cold can pass through the porous layer of dentin and reach the nerves. This leads to .
If you’re experiencing a twinge of pain with your morning coffee, it could be due to worn tooth enamel. The only way to know for sure is to schedule an appointment with one of our family dentists.
CHIPPED TEETH
Your jaw muscles exert a lot of force on your teeth if you have undiagnosed bruxism. Over time, this pressure can wear down the enamel and make your teeth more prone to chipping.
If you have a chipped tooth but don’t remember how it happened, it’s possible that you may be grinding and clenching your teeth at night. During your appointment, our dentists may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
JAW PAIN
Patients who have bruxism will clench their jaws while they sleep. When they wake up, they may experience pain around the temporomandibular joint. This joint is essentially a hinge that connects the lower jaw to the skull. But when you exert a lot of pressure on this joint, it can lead to jaw pain and even a (TMD).
The good news is that we can stop further damage to this joint. A night guard will stop you from clenching your jaw by providing a cushion between your upper and lower teeth.
YOUR PARTNER HEARS YOU GRIND YOUR TEETH
Most people are unaware that they’re grinding their teeth at night. But your partner may hear your teeth squeaking while you sleep. The squeaking happens when your teeth grind together, which can create a sound that’s loud enough to wake up your partner. If your partner complains about hearing your teeth squeak, it’s time to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists to discuss getting a custom night guard.
UNCOMFORTABLE OVER-THE-COUNTER NIGHT GUARDS
Maybe you already know that you have bruxism but aren’t happy with your current night guard. It’s not uncommon for over-the-counter guards to be uncomfortable, which can make sleeping difficult.
The solution is to get a night guard from our office.
During your appointment, we’ll take impressions of your teeth to send to the lab that will make your night guard. When you return for your second appointment, your custom night guard will be ready. One of our dentists will make sure that the guard fits comfortably and that you’re able to breathe with ease.
Keep in mind that wearing an ill-fitting night guard may shift your teeth over time. That’s why it’s much better to get a custom appliance from one of our dentists. A custom night guard fits the exact contours of your teeth and gums for a comfortable fit.
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH US
Don’t ignore toothaches and jaw pain from bruxism! Our family dentists in Grand Rapids, MI, can help you find permanent relief from teeth grinding. To request an appointment and learn if you’re a candidate for a night guard, call Advance Dental at (616) 956-9183. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
