Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard

A constantly aching jaw is a tell-tale sign that you grind your teeth. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a pretty common condition in which you grind or clench your teeth unconsciously. Some people do it all day long, while others suffering from night bruxism only do so at night. There are no set reasons for why people develop bruxism, but whatever the reason, maybe it can lead to severe dental and oral health problems.

Thus, doctors recommend wearing a night guard while sleeping. Even though it may be uncomfortable for some, and it will take time to get used to sleeping with the mouthguard at night, it does offer several benefits.

Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard

• Prevents Teeth Deterioration — Constant teeth grinding can cause uneven wear and tear of the teeth, leading to severe tooth damage. A night guard acts as a protective barrier between the upper and lower jaw, preventing tooth wear and damage.

If you want to get a customized night guard, visit ComfortCare Dental. We can identify whether you have bruxism or not and devise a proper treatment plan to relieve you of the symptoms and protect your oral and dental health.

How to Manage Bruxism When You Sleep Through Doing It

If you clench and grind your teeth while you’re asleep at night, you might think there is nothing that you can do about it. After all, you aren’t aware that it is happening until the next day when you wake up with tooth or jaw pain. However, there are a few things that you can try in order to manage your bruxism.

Use a Night Guard

The most common treatment plan for nighttime grinding is the use of a night guard. We can custom fit a mouth guard to match the exact shape and placement of your teeth. It will fit over the top teeth, and while it won’t stop you from grinding while you sleep, it will protect your teeth from damage.

Work Out

Another tip that might help to reduce your nighttime grinding is to get regular exercise. Many people grind their teeth while asleep due to stress and anxiety, even if you aren’t completely conscious of what you are doing. You can take a walk in the evening or work out at the gym; anything that helps you to feel more relaxed and less stressed.

Find a Way to Unwind before Bed

In addition to exercise, there are other things that you can do to unwind before you go to bed. Some people like to read to take their minds off of their troubles. A warm bath or shower before bed can also help, as warm water can relax the jaw muscles. A heating pad might also help.

Bruxism can be extremely damaging to the teeth, so it is important to find a way to manage the issue. If you grind your teeth at night, please call our offices to set up an appointment. We will help you to create a bruxism management plan and can inspect your teeth for any possible damage.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334