Do I Need a Night Guard for Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition in which a person forcefully clenches their jaw and grinds their teeth together. This behavior is often involuntary, meaning that a person may be unaware they’re even doing it. Teeth grinding often occurs while a person is sleeping, though some people may grind their teeth during the day. While bruxism is thought to be a subconscious behavior, it may also be a sign of a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea.

What is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a removable mouthpiece made specifically for teeth grinding, and jaw clenching, much like an athletic mouthguard protects your teeth during physical activity. The mouthpiece acts as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth to prevent wear caused by grinding or clenching while sleeping.

Some patients with TMJ disorders benefit from wearing a custom-fitted night guard every night. Others only need to wear it occasionally to relieve jaw pain associated with bruxism.

Patients who experience regular triggering of TMD symptoms are more likely to benefit from wearing their night guard consistently. That’s because, at All Smile Dental, Dr. A. P. Singh recommends the consistent use of a night guard to increase its efficacy in preventing the wear and tear on the teeth and jaws that lead to TMJ disorder symptoms.

At-home or store-bought night guards are often made of softer materials that are easier to chew on at night. Custom-fit night guards are more durable and can last for years with good care. They are also more comfortable than store-purchased ones because they are designed to form your unique bite pattern.

Patients often report a better night’s sleep after starting to use a custom-fit night guard. This is because the device reduces the amount of pressure experienced on the jaw muscles and joints that keep you from being able to fully relax while you’re asleep. You can practice better sleep habits, including going to bed earlier and avoiding naps in the afternoon, to help maintain better health for your jaw joints and muscles.

What are Common Indications for Wearing a Night Guard?

As we’ve discussed before, grinding your teeth can lead to a number of oral health problems – including headaches and jaw pain. However, many people grind their teeth at night without even realizing it. In fact, at All Smile Dental, Dr. A. P. Singh may notice signs of teeth grinding during your routine visit and not even mention it to you!

There are a number of warning signs to watch out for that may indicate you are grinding your teeth in your sleep. These include waking up with a sore or tender jaw, experiencing chronic headaches, feeling tired after a full night’s sleep, or having sensitive teeth. You may also be grinding your teeth during the day but don’t even realize it due to being asleep at night when it occurs.

If you suspect that you are grinding your teeth while you sleep, it’s important to see Dr. A. P. Singh as soon as possible. We may recommend an occlusal guard to protect against the harmful effects of tooth grinding. A custom-made night guard will be designed to fit your unique mouth shape and help to alleviate any discomfort associated with teeth grinding. When worn at night, the guard will help to keep your upper and lower teeth from coming into contact with each other. The acrylic surface will also prevent your bottom molars from touching your tongue or the roof of the mouth.

Give us a call today to schedule your appointment! We would be happy to answer any of your questions about dentistry procedures in Modesto, CA. You can book an appointment with our dentist in Turlock, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 668-3736 or our dentist in Modesto, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 409-8839.