How Do I Know if I Need a Night Guard?

If you clench or grind your teeth at night, a condition called bruxism, your trusted team at Indigo Dentistry may recommend a custom night guard. The oral appliance will safeguard your oral health and improve your quality of sleep. Here’s all you need to know about night guards and how to determine whether you require one. 

Bruxism: An Overview

Bruxism is a troublesome and potentially health-damaging condition that’s characterized by tooth grinding or jaw clenching during sleep. It can result from crooked or missing teeth, an abnormal bite, or stress and worry. It can also be caused by sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep apnea. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism?

Many people don’t realize they have bruxism until a family member or significant other alerts them of their loud teeth grinding or clenching during sleep. Signs and symptoms of bruxism include face, neck, and jaw pain, tired or tight jaw muscles, a locked jaw, morning headaches, sleep disruption, fatigue, and pain in the ears that is often mistaken for ear problems. 

Bruxism also leaves its tell-tale signs on your oral health. The grinding motions can wear the tooth enamel, exposing the deeper layers of the teeth. That can lead to increased tooth pain and sensitivity. Bruxism sufferers often develop dental problems, including gum recession, uneven tooth wear, and flattened, chipped, fractured, or loose teeth.  

We highly recommend maintaining your routine dental exams and cleanings every six months. If we detect signs of bruxism or any other dental concern, we will repair the damage before it progresses. We may recommend the use of a dental guard to safeguard your oral health and prevent further damage and complications.

Will You Need a Night Guard?

The most effective way to protect your oral health and prevent damage due to nighttime grinding and clenching is to wear a custom-fitted mouthguard called a night guard or nocturnal bite plate in your sleep. The oral appliance fits snugly over your teeth and looks similar to a retainer. 

Your dental guard will reduce the pressure exerted on the upper and lower jaw due to clenching. It also provides a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing the devastating effects of nighttime teeth grinding. You’ll sleep better and wake up refreshed and free of pain!

Can You Get a Night Guard at Your Local Drugstore?

You can purchase stock or boil and bite night guards over-the-counter from your local drugstore. However, these oral appliances are usually large, poorly fitting, and uncomfortable, leaving you struggling to sleep while providing minimal protection. 

The best night guards are those custom-made for you by your trusted team at Indigo Dentistry from molds of your upper and lower teeth. Enjoy unmatched comfort, maximum protection, and a restful night’s sleep free of grinding and pain. 

Get Your Custom Mouthguard Today 

Visit Indigo Dentistry in Cedar Hill, TX, to learn more about our protective night guards. Our team is all about prevention to maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime. Call us and schedule your appointment today!