Top Reasons Patients Need a Nightguard
Several people wake up in the morning with a faint headache and sore jaw. They most likely grind their teeth during sleep and require a night guard.
What is a nightguard?
A nightguard (or a dental guard, occlusal guard, or bite splint) is a common oral appliance dentists recommend as a treatment option for treating a few disorders. These conditions damage teeth, lead to headaches, tooth pain, and soreness of the jaw, and impacts their quality of life. These devices can be placed on the lower or upper set of teeth to prevent wear and tear and damage. Nightguards are made from plastic and help protect the teeth, ease pain, improve oral health, and induce better sleep.
Why does a patient need a nightguard?
A dentist may recommend a nightguard to a patient for the following reasons:
Bruxism
Some people tend to grind or clench their teeth at night while asleep. This condition is known as bruxism. When left untreated, bruxism can lead to several painful symptoms and oral complications, which may require expensive and extensive dental procedures down the line.
Some of the common issues long-term, consistent teeth grinding can cause include:
Jaw soreness
Facial pain
Lack of sleep
Fatigue
Headache
Gum recession
Tooth deformity
Increased sensitivity
Chipped or loose teeth
Bruxism is a common condition, affecting 10 to 15% of the adult population in the USA. A nightguard effectively treats or mitigates symptoms in most bruxism cases. A dentist evaluates the condition of the teeth and bruxism severity to determine if the patient is an ideal candidate for a nightguard.
When a person wears a nightguard, it eases the tension and cushions the jaw muscle. After wearing a nightguard, a person only grinds the surface of the guard instead of teeth. Custom nightguards act as a protective layer or barrier to alleviate the symptoms, protect the enamel, and prevent further damage.
TMJ or Temporomandibular joint disorder
Dental nightguards are the most common and effective way to treat TMJ disorder. It is a condition that affects how the jaw muscles or TMJ, which connect the jaw to the skull, function. Bruxism, stress, arthritis, or jaw injuries can lead to TMJ disorder. Symptoms include jaw pain, migraine, tenderness or pain around the jaw, face, neck, shoulder, or ear, popping or clicking sound while opening or closing the mouth, limited motion, and an uncomfortable bite.
A nightguard offers a protective cushion that realigns the jaw and takes tension off it. It also re-trains the muscle memory and prevents it from remaining engaged through the night. Custom-fitted nightguards treat TMJ disorder and relieve pain in people who experience soreness or headaches.
Nightguards also help prevent snoring, offer healthy sleep patterns, and save money on costly dental treatments accompanying teeth grinding and clenching.
Types of nightguard
Soft nightguards, dual nightguards, and brutal nightguards are the common types of nightguards. A person's nightguard depends on individual needs, preferences, and budget. Usually, dentists advise custom night guards instead of over-the-counter generic ones.
Protect the teeth and safeguard holistic health
A nightguard prevents teeth damage, treats TMJ disorder, prevents headaches, and saves money. Visit a professional dentist to discover if bruxism or TMJ disorder is an issue and a nightguard is necessary.
If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call Jennifer Fineberg’s office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!
