Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common problem that affects millions of people, particularly during sleep. While it might seem harmless at first, frequent grinding can lead to a range of dental issues that compromise your oral health. Fortunately, using a night guard is an effective way to protect your teeth from the harmful effects of bruxism. At Dream Dentist in O’Fallon, Dr. Sarah Thompson and her team specialize in creating custom night guards designed to keep your teeth safe and your smile healthy.
Here are the top 5 reasons to consider wearing a night guard if you have a teeth-grinding habit.
1. Prevent Tooth Damage
Chronic teeth grinding exerts significant pressure on your teeth, which can lead to fractures, chips, and wear over time. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), bruxism affects 10-15% of adults in the U.S., and frequent grinding can weaken the enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay and damage.
A night guard acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other. This helps preserve the integrity of your enamel and reduces the risk of cracks or chips.
2. Relieve Jaw Pain and Tension
Bruxism doesn’t just affect your teeth—it can also cause tension and pain in your jaw muscles, leading to conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Many people who grind their teeth at night wake up with sore jaws, headaches, or even earaches.
Wearing a night guard can help alleviate this tension by cushioning your jaw muscles and preventing the clenching that leads to discomfort. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, approximately 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorders, and night guards are often recommended as part of treatment to reduce symptoms.
3. Protect Against Gum Recession
Frequent grinding can put excessive pressure on the gums, which may lead to gum recession over time. As the gums recede, your tooth roots become exposed, increasing the risk of sensitivity, decay, and even tooth loss. Gum recession can be a serious consequence of untreated bruxism.
By wearing a night guard, you can reduce the amount of pressure applied to your gums, helping to prevent recession and maintaining your gum health in the long term.
4. Improve Sleep Quality
Many people with bruxism are unaware that their teeth grinding is disrupting their sleep. The constant grinding can lead to restless nights, which affects your overall sleep quality. Research has shown that 25% of people who suffer from bruxism also experience sleep disturbances, including frequent waking and a decrease in deep sleep stages.
A night guard helps promote better sleep by minimizing grinding and reducing the jaw tension that can wake you up during the night. With a custom-fitted night guard from Dream Dentist in O’Fallon, you can enjoy a more restful night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
5. Avoid Costly Dental Treatments
Ignoring your teeth grinding habit can lead to serious dental problems down the road, including broken teeth, severe wear, and damage to existing dental work like crowns or fillings. Repairing this damage often requires costly procedures such as crowns, veneers, or even dental implants.
Investing in a night guard is a cost-effective way to prevent the need for expensive restorative dental treatments in the future. According to the ADA, the average cost of a dental crown can range from $800 to $1,500, while a custom night guard typically costs significantly less. Wearing a night guard is a smart investment in protecting your smile and your wallet.
Custom Night Guards at Dream Dentist
At Dream Dentist in O’Fallon, Dr. Sarah Thompson and her team provide high-quality, custom-fitted night guards designed to address your specific grinding habits. Unlike over-the-counter guards, custom night guards are tailored to fit your teeth comfortably, offering superior protection and long-lasting durability.
By taking detailed impressions of your teeth, Dr. Thompson ensures that your night guard fits perfectly and delivers maximum comfort and protection. If you’re concerned about teeth grinding and want to explore the benefits of a night guard, schedule a consultation with us today.
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