1777 N Bellflower Blvd #213, Long Beach, CA 90815
Explore the Benefits of Nightguards
Nightguards, also known as dental guards or mouthguards, are designed to prevent the harmful effects of teeth grinding (bruxism). Typically made from durable materials such as acrylic resin, nightguards can be customized to be either soft or hard, depending on the severity of the grinding. Dentists commonly recommend wearing the nightguard over the upper front teeth to avoid contact with the lower teeth while sleeping. In some cases, if teeth grinding is severe, a dental guard for the lower teeth may also be suggested.
Aside from protecting your teeth, nightguards help cushion the jaw muscles, offering added relief to those suffering from bruxism.
Benefits of Using Night Guards for Bruxism
Bruxism, the habit of grinding or clenching teeth, can occur both during the day and while sleeping. It is often triggered by factors like stress, anxiety, or anger, and is usually done unconsciously. Over time, bruxism can severely damage your oral health. A nightguard can be an effective solution, providing protection for your teeth and reducing the risks of damage to fillings, tooth chips or loosening, and enamel wear. While nightguards won’t completely eliminate the grinding, they offer significant protection and can improve overall sleep quality.
Common symptoms of bruxism that a nightguard can help alleviate include:
- Tooth sensitivity or discomfort
- Biting the cheeks
- Receding gums
- Tiredness from disrupted sleep
- Facial discomfort due to sore jaw muscles
- Temple-related headaches
Discover the Benefits of Using Nightguards for Tmj Relief
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are essential for jaw movement. However, grinding your teeth can put undue stress on these joints, leading to TMJ disorders and symptoms such as jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and even a locked jaw. Inflammation or jaw injuries can also cause TMJ issues. Fortunately, wearing a nightguard can help realign the jaws, reducing muscle tension and providing relief from TMJ-related symptoms.
By wearing a nightguard, you may experience relief from:
- Facial pain or discomfort
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Earache-like discomfort
- Ringing in the ears
- Challenges with chewing or speaking
- Discomfort while eating or talking
If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth or struggling with TMJ symptoms, our team at Long Beach Dental Health in Long Beach, CA can help. Call us today at (562) 580-0597 to schedule a consultation and explore how custom nightguards can improve your oral health and quality of sleep.