The Benefits of a Night Guard

You might have heard of or even considered a night guard for sleeping. They provide several benefits and could be the only change needed to improve the quality of your sleep substantially. Moreover, a night guard isn’t just for improving your sleep but can go a long way toward protecting your dental health.

A Professionally Fitted Night Guard is Better

Getting a professionally fitted night guard can provide significant advantages compared to a one-size-fits-all guard purchased off the shelf or through mail-order. A professionally fitted night guard is custom-made to fit your teeth and mouth precisely, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness. Additionally, a dentist or dental professional can examine your mouth for any signs of dental issues or underlying conditions that may affect the fit or effectiveness of the night guard. A poorly fitting night guard can cause discomfort, pain, and even damage to your teeth or gums.

A professionally fitted night guard can provide a more precise fit, ensuring that it remains in place throughout the night, reducing the risk of damage, maximizing its effectiveness in protecting your teeth, and alleviating dental issues such as grinding, clenching, and muscle strain. While a one-size-fits-all night guard may be a more affordable option, the benefits of a professionally fitted guard often outweigh the cost.

How a Night Guard Can Benefit Your Health

Night guards do much more than simply protect your teeth from grinding, even if that’s one of the primary reasons for being fitted for one. Here’s everything a night guard can do for you.

Reduces Teeth Grinding

As we mentioned, one of the main reasons people wear night guards is to protect their teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and other issues. Night guards can provide a cushion between the teeth, reducing the pressure and force of grinding and clenching.

Helps with Snoring

A night guard can also help with snoring by repositioning the jaw and tongue to promote better airflow. Snoring is often caused by the collapse of the airway during sleep, which can be exacerbated by jaw positioning. A night guard can help to keep the airway open and reduce snoring.

Improves Sleep Quality

Wearing a night guard can improve sleep quality by reducing the frequency and severity of teeth grinding and snoring. Both issues can disrupt sleep, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and other problems. A night guard can help to promote a more restful sleep, which can improve overall health and well-being.

Protects Dental Work

If you have dental work such as crowns, bridges, or implants, wearing a night guard can help to protect them from damage caused by grinding or clenching. Dental work is often more susceptible to damage than natural teeth, and a night guard can provide extra protection.

Wear a Mouthguard

If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from damage. A custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist is the best option for maximum protection. Teeth grinding or bruxism can cause headaches, neck pain, and tooth damage, so it’s important to identify and minimize nighttime grinding.

Alleviates Jaw Pain

If you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), wearing a night guard can help to alleviate pain and discomfort. TMJ can cause pain in the jaw, face, and neck, as well as headaches and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. A night guard can help reduce the pressure on the jaw joint, relieving TMJ symptoms.

Do you think you might need a night guard for improved sleep and dental health? Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.