If you suffer from certain dental conditions or habits that compromise the overall health of teeth and jaws. It is highly recommended to wear dental nightguards.
Dental nightguards, also known as occlusal splints or bite guards, are devices worn over the teeth while sleeping to protect them from damage caused by teeth grinding or clenching, also for a condition known as bruxism.
Below are the most common symptoms:
- Teeth Grinding: The most common symptom of bruxism is the grinding of teeth. This may produce a noticeable sound that can disturb sleep partners or be detected during dental check-ups.
- Tooth Wear: Bruxism can lead to excessive tooth wear, resulting in flattened, chipped, or fractured teeth. Dentists may notice these signs during routine examinations.
- Jaw Pain and Tension: Frequent clenching and grinding can cause soreness and discomfort in the jaw muscles. This can lead to persistent pain or stiffness in the jaw area.
- Headaches: Bruxism can cause tension headaches, which are often felt as dull, aching pain around the temples or forehead.
- Ear Pain: Some individuals with bruxism may experience ear pain or discomfort due to the proximity of the jaw joint (TMJ) to the ears.
- Facial Pain: The strain caused by clenching and grinding can lead to facial pain, particularly around the cheeks or jawline.
- Jaw Joint Noises: People with bruxism may hear clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing their mouths. These noises are associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and may indicate TMJ disorder.
- Sensitive Teeth: Bruxism can cause increased tooth sensitivity, making teeth more responsive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
- Gum Recession: Excessive grinding can result in gum recession, leading to tooth root exposure and increased sensitivity.
- Disrupted Sleep: Bruxism and jaw clenching can lead to disturbed sleep patterns, as the clenching and grinding actions may briefly wake the person or their sleep partner.
- Facial Muscle Hypertrophy: Chronic jaw clenching can lead to the enlargement of the jaw muscles, resulting in a more square or prominent jawline.
Not everyone with bruxism or jaw clenching will experience all of these symptoms, and some individuals may have no noticeable symptoms at all.
If you suspect you may be grinding or clenching your teeth, it is advisable to seek evaluation. A dental professional can assess the condition of your teeth and jaw and recommend appropriate measures, such as a custom-fitted dental nightguard, to protect your oral health and alleviate any discomfort or adverse effects associated with bruxism and jaw clenching.
What are the benefits of wearing dental nightguards?
1. Teeth protection: Nightguards provide a physical barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other. This helps to reduce the wear and tear on the teeth, preventing tooth damage such as fractures, enamel erosion, and excessive tooth wear.
2. Jaw muscle relaxation: Nightguards can help relax the jaw muscles by providing a cushioning effect and preventing the strong forces generated during teeth grinding. This can alleviate muscle tension and reduce jaw pain, headaches, and facial discomfort associated with bruxism.
3. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) relief: Bruxism can place excessive stress on the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. Nightguards can help to alleviate pressure on the TMJ, reducing pain, clicking or popping sounds, and jaw joint disorders associated with bruxism.
4. Sleep improvement: Teeth grinding can disrupt sleep patterns, both for the person experiencing it and their sleeping partner. Wearing a nightguard can help improve sleep quality by reducing the noise and discomfort caused by bruxism, allowing for a more restful sleep.
