Do You Suffer from Bruxism? A Night Guard Can Help Protect Your Teeth!
Bruxism, i.e., teeth grinding, is a problem shared by thousands of people across the country. Nighttime bruxism can be particularly problematic as you may be unaware of your actions and the effects your condition has on your teeth. Night guards offer a simple solution to managing nighttime bruxism to protect your teeth from harm. Dr. Warren Boardman can have custom night guards made for your use at Ridgewood Dentistry, Ridgewood, New Jersey.
Purpose of a Bruxism Mouthguard
Wearing a mouthguard for grinding teeth won’t cure your bruxism, but it can address the problems that teeth grinding can cause, namely:
- Chips and cracks in your teeth
- Wear and tear on your teeth
- Pain caused by damaged teeth
- Morning headaches due to clenching and grinding your teeth all night
- Jaw pain and discomfort
- Loss of quality sleep
Wearing a mouthguard on your upper or lower teeth reduces the stress of tooth grinding to protect your teeth from damage. Your mouthguard will absorb most of the pressure of clenching and grinding your teeth to minimize painful symptoms. With less pressure and pain, you’ll be able to sleep more comfortably.
Custom Night Guards
OTC generic night guards are relatively cheap. However, they may not fit properly or perform as well as they could due to being “one size fits all.” For optimal performance, we recommend having nightguards custom-made for your use. Dr. Boardman can take digital impressions or scans of your teeth to have customized nightguards fabricated just for you. A customized night guard will fit snugly and comfortably over your teeth to provide the protection you need. Custom night guards offer a practical, non-invasive means of managing bruxism symptoms and protecting the integrity of your teeth.
A visit to Ridgewood Dentistry in Ridgewood, NJ, can determine if you’re suffering from nighttime bruxism, so you can take steps to protect your teeth. To learn more about night guards and how they can benefit you, contact Dr. Warren Boardman at (201) 448-8605 at your earliest convenience.
Nightguard FAQs
How do personal nightguards help with bruxism beyond just preventing teeth grinding?
Personal nightguards are designed to do more than prevent teeth grinding; they help to reduce the pressure on your jaw muscles, minimize the risk of TMJ disorders, and protect your teeth from wear. By evenly distributing the force exerted during grinding, they prevent excessive wear on your teeth and help preserve your natural tooth structure. Nightguards also promote relaxation in the jaw muscles, which can reduce associated pain in the head, neck, and shoulders.Â
Can a nightguard improve my quality of sleep?
Yes, wearing a personal nightguard can significantly improve your sleep quality. Bruxism often disrupts your sleep cycle due to jaw pain, headaches, or the physical act of grinding. Wearing a nightguard can reduce these disruptions, helping you achieve a more restful and uninterrupted night of sleep. Many patients report less jaw tension and fewer headaches upon waking, leading to better sleep quality.Â
Will a nightguard cure my bruxism?
A nightguard is not a cure for bruxism but a highly effective management tool. While it cannot stop the habit of teeth grinding, it helps protect your teeth and jaw from the damaging effects of bruxism. Bruxism may be triggered by stress, misaligned teeth, or other factors, and addressing these underlying issues is essential for long-term relief. Dr. Boardman may recommend a comprehensive treatment plan that combines nightguard use with different strategies, such as stress management, therapy, or orthodontic treatment, to minimize bruxism’s impact on your oral health.
How long will it take to adjust to wearing a nightguard?
Adjustment time varies from person to person. Some people get used to their nightguard within a few nights, while others may take a little longer. The custom fit of the nightguard, tailored to your teeth and bite, should make the adjustment process smoother. If you experience discomfort after the first few nights, Dr. Boardman can adjust the fit to ensure maximum comfort. Consistent use, even if it feels odd at first, is key to reaping the benefits of the nightguard.
Can a personal nightguard prevent other oral health problems linked to bruxism?
Yes, wearing a personal nightguard helps prevent several oral health issues related to bruxism, including tooth sensitivity, cracked or chipped teeth, and gum recession. By protecting the enamel from excessive wear, a nightguard helps maintain the integrity of your teeth. Additionally, the nightguard minimizes the risk of gum irritation caused by grinding pressure. Over time, untreated bruxism can lead to permanent dental damage, but a nightguard provides a protective barrier to reduce these risks.
What’s the difference between a personal nightguard and an over-the-counter option?
The main difference between a personal nightguard and an over-the-counter one is the fit and customization. Personal nightguards are custom-made by Dr. Boardman to fit your teeth precisely, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness. They are made from durable materials that can withstand the pressure of bruxism without losing shape. On the other hand, over-the-counter options are typically generic and may not fit your teeth as well, potentially leading to discomfort and reduced effectiveness. A custom nightguard provides better protection, a more comfortable fit, and longer-lasting results.
Do I need to wear my nightguard every night, even if I don’t notice any bruxism symptoms?
Even if you don’t notice symptoms of bruxism, it’s still important to wear your nightguard consistently. Bruxism can occur without any noticeable pain or discomfort, especially if it happens during deep sleep. Preventative use of a nightguard can protect your teeth and jaw from gradual damage that may not be immediately apparent. Dr. Boardman may recommend wearing your nightguard every night or as directed to help prevent long-term dental issues.
