Night Guards

If you wake up every day with a headache, toothache, or jaw pain, you should visit a dentist for an examination. Why? Because this pain might be a symptom of bruxism, a common condition that could cause the clenching of the jaw and teeth grinding. Bruxism could result in chronic tooth grinding, worn-down enamel, loose teeth, headaches, inflammation, and lingering pain in your head and neck. Dr. Byerly might suggest you use a night guard to protect your teeth and jaw from night-time bruxism.

What are Night Guards?

The night guards are small pieces of plastic fabricated from high-quality material with cutting-edge technology and designed to fit securely around your teeth. They help prevent problems caused by teeth grinding and jaw clenching to give you comfortable sleep and less pain in the morning.

Generally, night guards are made of clear plastic, making them nearly invisible when you wear them. This is really helpful for people who want to save their teeth but are self-conscious about their appearance.

Why Is It Important To Wear A Night Guard?

Prevents headaches

The grinding of teeth and clenching of jaws in the nighttime can cause severe headaches and toothaches when you wake up. If you are experiencing this, you might need to wear a night guard while sleeping. Most patients feel a lot better after wearing their guard for just a few days. 

Prevents damage to the teeth

The grinding of the teeth can cause them to chip, crack, or wear down. These then could lead to discomfort as the teeth flatten and your dentin or nerves might become exposed. This can cause sensitivity of the teeth when you eat or drink. You might even suffer gum recession and teeth loss if this damage stays untreated. But if you use a night guard, your teeth won’t be able to grind against each other and avoid possible damage.

Prevents TMJ disorders

TMJ disorders could be caused by severe grinding or jaw clenching. This distressing condition starts with your jaw being sore in the morning with your head occasionally aching. It is very vital to treat TMJ early by wearing a night guard and stopping your teeth from grinding or clenching in your sleep. Otherwise, TMJ can become quite severe. Some people even find it hard to open their mouths at this stage, let alone eat or speak normally.

Call Byerly Family Dental at (317) 632-1488 or schedule an online appointment to know more about Night Guards.