What Are the Benefits of Wearing a Mouth Guard at Night?  

Woman holding a mouth guard, sleep apnea​​​​​​​
  • By Courthouse Art of Dentistry
  • August 1, 2022

    • If you suffer from jaw pain or morning headaches, it may be due to teeth grinding. Many people suffer from bruxism, a condition characterized by clenching or grinding the teeth as they sleep.

     

    The condition can lead to many health issues, but wearing a night guard can control it. People wear this device over the teeth’s biting surface. It can protect the top and bottom teeth from grinding. You can find out the benefits of wearing a mouth guard at night.

     

    Preventing Tooth Damage

     

    The unconscious clenching during sleep can result in breaking or chipping of teeth. It can also damage fillings and cause teeth sensitivity from excessive enamel wear. Teeth grinding can lead to cavities as the enamel weakens. Wearing a night guard can help protect the teeth from damage. It can save you the cost of expensive treatments and dental restoration procedures.

     

    Protection Against TMJ Disorder

     

    Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition that occurs when the jaw muscles become tight and sore. The joint connecting the jaw to the skull experiences dysfunction and misalignment.

     

    It can be due to bruxism, as pressure from the grinding impacts the nerves, muscles, and ligaments. It can make it difficult to chew and lead to headaches and earaches. Using a night guard can reduce muscle fatigue and relieve TMJ pain.

     

    Helps to Reduce Headaches

     

    Chronic or tension headaches can be due to bruxism. The constant clenching and grinding can lead to jaw tension that extends to the ears and head. Tense mouth, jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles can cause the patient to wake up with pain in the head. Wearing a custom night guard can help reduce headaches by eliminating teeth and jaw pressure. 

     

    Improving Sleep Patterns

     

    Many people who have bruxism suffer from sleep apnea. Bruxism and TMJ pain can cause discomfort, making it difficult to sleep. The pain can make it hard to get a good night’s sleep.

     

    Wearing a night guard will allow the jaw muscles to relax, providing relief and improving sleep quality. A mouth guard can help keep the airway open, preventing obstructive sleep apnea and reducing snoring.

     

    Help to Save Money

     

    Wearing a night guard has the added benefit of saving you the cost of expensive dental procedures. A good quality custom night guard might be costly, but it is still cheaper than the cost of dental restoration.

     

    If your teeth fracture or wear out, you will need fillings, crowns, or other restorative treatments. Teeth loss will require dental implants, while orthodontic procedures are necessary to fix bite issues.

     

    Protective night guards will help protect your oral health. It is necessary to know that there are different devices, and they are not all of the same quality. A custom night guard recommended by your dentist will offer the best benefits.

     

    For more on the benefits of wearing a mouth guard at night, visit Courthouse Art of Dentistry at our office in Arlington, Virginia. Call 703-420-1937 today to schedule an appointment.