Do you have the habit of teeth grinding or clenching during sleep? Do you often experience morning headaches or fatigues? Do you have pain and issues with your jaw and do not know its cause? You may have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction or other issues and may erode much of your tooth surface without recognizing it. And eventually, this may cause wear and tear of teeth, cracked teeth, inadequate tooth surface, or other serious dental problems.

At Foxfield Dental, our experienced dentist may suggest you a night guard to resolve all of these issues and protect your teeth and jaw from the consequences of involuntary teeth grinding.

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Night Guards

Nightguards, also called dental splints, are transparent dental trays fabricated to fit over the teeth to protect them from problems caused by bruxism or teeth grinding. Though they do not stop involuntary jaw actions or teeth grinding, they shield the teeth from the damage caused as a result.
When we wear a night guard or bite splint while sleeping, they shield the teeth and keep the jaws apart. Thus, it prevents undue pressure on the TMJ, reduces muscle strain, and saves the teeth from being chipped or cracked.

How To Know If You Grind Your Teeth at Night?

Teeth grinding is common among most men and women. Most people usually grind their teeth during their sleep. However, some even clench or grind teeth when awake.
Look for these signs to understand if you grind your teeth at night:
  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Notches along your gum line
  • Extreme tooth sensitivity
  • Cracked, worn-down, or broken teeth
  • Morning headaches
  • Muscle pain in or near the jaw

Reasons For Teeth Grinding

Though the exact reason for teeth grinding is not apparent, the major contributing factors for the condition are as follows:
  • Sleep apnea
  • Tooth position
  • Jaw posture
  • Trauma
  • Emotional stress
  • Developmental issues
  • Repetitive strain

Benefits of Night Guards/ Bite Splints

Prevent teeth damage and pain
Bruxism or teeth grinding can damage the dental enamel and cause wear and tear of teeth. This may leave the dentin or tooth nerves exposed to cavities, discoloration, or fractures. Exposed dentin may cause teeth sensitivity, gum recession, and teeth loss if left untreated for long. Use of a bite splint or night guard can prevent the upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other, thus preventing any possible damage.

Ease discomfort.
If you experience any tooth pain but do not notice any decay or cavities, bruxism and the resulting enamel damage may be the reason. Wearing a night guard at night can prevent this discomfort, reduce tooth sensitivity, and ease the pain from teeth grinding and clenching.

Treating TMJ.
If you experience TMJ disorders due to severe teeth grinding or jaw clenching, wearing a nightguard can help address the issue.
Foxfield Dental, located at Foxfield, CO, is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care facilities for the patients. Call (720) 870-0401 and book an appointment with the dentistry to know more about Night Guards and other dental care services.