6 Oral Health Benefits of Using a Night Guard for Teeth Grinding

Bruxism can be an irritating and damaging condition. People who grind their teeth at night are often unaware of this problem until they see the results of chipped or cracked teeth. Nighttime teeth grinding can lead to jaw tension and pain, frequent headaches during the day, and problems with TMJ. At Proffitt Dentistry, we recommend night guards to our patients suffering from bruxism. Dr. William Proffitt is your go-to dentist for night guards near Maryville, Tennessee. 

Here are six oral health benefits of using a night guard to manage teeth grinding symptoms:

1. Prevents Damage to Your Teeth 

Persistent teeth grinding can erode tooth enamel, cause chips and cracks in teeth, and increase tooth sensitivity. Night guards prevent nighttime teeth grinding by keeping your upper and lower teeth from meeting. When worn over your upper or lower teeth, this device is a barrier to prevent involuntary teeth grinding. Dr. Proffitt can customize a night guard to provide greater comfort and effectiveness.

2. Minimizes Jaw Tension and Pain

A night guard will alleviate the tension and stress on your jaw muscles and joints when you grind your teeth. It helps minimize jaw clenching, which relaxes your muscles. Less tension and stress will help ease muscle soreness, pain, and fatigue.   

3. Eases Symptoms of TMD

Teeth grinding can aggravate problems with TMD, or temporomandibular jaw disorders. These disorders can cause symptoms such as jaw pain, restricted jaw mobility, a clicking noise when you open or close your mouth, difficulty chewing, and other issues. A night guard can help manage TMD symptoms by easing jaw tension and stress and keeping teeth from grinding. 

4. Fewer Headaches 

Nighttime bruxism can lead to tension headaches the next day. The constant contraction and pressure of your jaw muscles when you grind your teeth can radiate to other areas of your face and head, causing frequent headaches, earaches, or facial pain.    

5. Improves Sleep 

Teeth grinding can impact the quality of your sleep, keeping you from getting the rest you need. The irritating noises of teeth grinding can also disrupt your sleep partner. By keeping your teeth from grinding in your sleep, a night guard can contribute to a quieter sleep environment and better sleep for both of you.  

6. Protection for Existing Dental Work

Teeth grinding can impact the health and function of existing dental work, such as crowns, fixed bridges, or veneers, causing them to chip, crack, or come loose. A night guard will protect these restorations from the constant pressure of grinding and clenching your teeth to avoid the cost and trouble of replacement before their time.  

Where to Find a Knowledgeable Teeth Grinding Dentist Near Me

Need help finding long-term solutions to nighttime teeth grinding? We’ve got you covered at Proffitt Dentistry in Maryville, TN. To schedule a consultation for bruxism treatment, contact Dr. William Proffitt by calling (865) 432-0804.

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