Night guards are oral appliances designed to protect your teeth while you sleep. These customized mouth guards are primarily used to treat bruxism (habitual teeth grinding and clenching) but may also be recommended for TMJ disorders or other issues. Bruxism often occurs at night, so many people are unaware they have the condition because it happens while they are asleep.
Common indicators of nighttime teeth grinding and clenching include:
- Persistent jaw, facial, and ear pain
- Frequent migraines and tension headaches
- A tired or tight feeling in the jaw upon waking
- Excessive tooth wear
- Chipped, flat, cracked, or worn teeth
- Indentations on the sides of the tongue
- Increased tooth sensitivity
Night guards work by preventing your teeth from grinding against each other while you sleep, helping you avoid tooth damage and other oral health issues. If you are diagnosed with bruxism and need a night guard, our dentist will take impressions of your mouth to custom design an appliance that provides optimal results.
If you have any questions about night guards or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our office. We are dedicated to helping you sleep peacefully while protecting your teeth.