If you struggle with teeth grinding or clenching in your sleep (known as bruxism), Dr. Low may recommend wearing a custom-made occlusal guard to bed. These guards will protect your teeth from damage by bruxism and help alleviate other related issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.
Reasons for a Night Mouthguard
Common signs of nighttime teeth grinding and clenching include:
- Chronic jaw pain, facial pain and ear pain
- Awakening with a tired or tight feeling in the jaw
- Frequent tension headaches and migraines
- Excessive tooth wear, leading to chipped, flattened, cracked or very worn teeth
- Extremely worn tooth enamel, exposing the inner layers of the tooth
- Indentations on the side of the tongue
- Increased tooth sensitivity
Night guards are also custom made for sleep apnea patients who have irregular breathing at night due to an obstructed airway. The position of the jaw, flattened tissues in the throat, and blockage by the tongue can all contribute to an obstructed airway. Sleep apnea can affect your quality of life and can contribute to medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Some of the more common symptoms of sleep apnea are:
- Severe snoring
- Headaches when you wake
- Dry or sore throat
- Irritability
- Fatigue and the feeling of always being tired
- Difficulty sleeping
For more information about the benefits of night guards for teeth grinding and sleep apnea, please call our office to speak with one of our experienced dental team members.