If you wake up each morning with a headache, jaw tension, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), you might need a night guard. You might be sleeping with your jaw out of its proper alignment. You could even suffer from Bruxism, a condition in which you regularly grind your teeth and clench your jaw while you sleep.
This condition can cause long-term issues, including permanent teeth damage, TMJ, and chronic headaches. There is no cure for Bruxism, but you can eliminate its effects by wearing a night guard.
Improve Your Sleep
When your jaw is properly aligned and your face is relaxed you will get a better night’s sleep. Whether you realize it or not, the constant clenching of Bruxism is highly disruptive to your sleep. A night guard keeps your mouth and jaw properly aligned and prevents you from the constant clenching so characteristic of Bruxism.
Prevent Teeth Grinding
In addition to teeth clenching, people with Bruxism experience ongoing teeth grinding when they sleep. One of the tell-tale signs that you are a teeth-grinder is that your teeth are beginning to flatten and even indent. This wear and tear on your enamel is detrimental to your dental health.
Grinding your teeth can cause jaw issues like TMJ. Plus, if you’ve ever shared a bed with a teeth-grinder, you know how loud it can be. A night guard will prevent you from grinding your teeth, much to the relief of anyone who might share your bed as well!
Prevent Headaches
Regularly waking up with a headache is one indication that you might suffer from Bruxism. Eight hours of clenching and grinding your teeth can lead to some serious tension in your neck, shoulders, and jaw. This causes headaches. Bruxism isn’t the only cause of morning headaches, but it is a common one. Look for the telltale sign of flattened teeth, or ask your dentist. A night guard will stop you from tensing up at night which will, in turn, prevent your headaches.
The best solution to Bruxism is to use a night guard. While you can find ready-made night guards at any pharmacy, the best ones are custom-fitted to your mouth. This is done at your dentist’s office using a special impression of your teeth for the perfect fit. For just a few hundred dollars you can be well on your way to improving your sleep, protecting your enamel, and stopping your headaches. Wearing a night guard can even save you money in the long run by preventing tooth decay and other dental issues.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Here’s more to read. How to Avoid Injuries to Your Teeth
