A good night’s sleep is crucial for overall well-being, but did you know it can also impact the health of your smile? Many people suffer from nighttime teeth grinding or clenching, which is a common condition that medical experts call bruxism. While teeth grinding can have serious effects on dental health, dental night guards may be an ideal preventive dentistry treatment for this sleep condition.
Are you waking up with tooth sensitivity, sore jaws, or tight neck muscles? You might be living with sleep bruxism. Personalized dental night guards in Humble, TX, can help. Just call Texas Choice Dental at (281) 972-8000 to get relief today!
Sometimes, even simple solutions can add up to major improvements in your health. In this blog post, we explore how night guards can contribute to a healthier smile and a better quality of life.
Provide a Protective Barrier
The act of grinding or clenching the teeth during sleep can put a lot of pressure on our chompers. In fact, some experts estimate that a whopping 250 pounds of pressure is exerted during the act. This immense force can lead to a range of dental problems, including worn-down enamel, tooth sensitivity, and even jaw pain.
Night guards are comfortable, custom-made dental appliances that dentists design to reduce the amount of grinding pressure exerted on teeth at night. This means that night guards create a protective barrier around teeth, keeping the effects of bruxism at bay.
Protect Thinning Enamel
Teeth contain an outer, protective layer known as enamel. Ordinarily, this layer helps protect teeth from damage. However, the constant friction and pressure from grinding can wear down this crucial layer, exposing the sensitive dentin beneath.
Night guards act as a cushion, absorbing the force of grinding and preventing enamel erosion. By preserving your enamel, these appliances help maintain the strength and integrity of your teeth.
Avoid Unnecessary Pain and Dysfunction
Grinding puts a great deal of stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull. This can result in headaches, earaches, and overall facial pain.
Night guards work by softening and redistributing the forces generated during grinding. As a result, they help reduce the strain on the TMJ and provide relief from associated symptoms.
Which kind of night guard is best?
It’s important to note that not all night guards are created equally. While over-the-counter options are available, custom-fitted night guards (which are crafted by trained dental professionals) offer superior comfort and effectiveness.
Choosing the right type of appliance depends on your unique needs, including your preferred comfort level and budget. Store-bought mouthguards are fine in a pinch, but, ultimately, they may not address the long-term effects of teeth grinding. Personalized night guards, however, may cost a bit more upfront, but the long-term benefits for your oral health make it a wise choice.
Custom-Made Night Guards in Humble, TX
If you suspect that bruxism may be affecting the health of your smile, it’s important to consult with a dentist as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may jeopardize the long-term health and functionality of your smile. Give your smile a fighting chance with custom-made night guards at Texas Choice Dental in Humble, TX. You can request appointments conveniently online or at (281) 972-8000.