Pros and Cons of a Dental Night Guard for Teeth Clenching

Wondering if a night guard is right for you? While many people who clench their teeth can use behavior modification techniques in order to stop clenching their teeth throughout the day, those who clench their teeth at night do not have any control over doing so. Ready to learn more about how dental night guards can help?

About teeth clenching

The fact that teeth clenching, also known as bruxism, can negatively affect your oral health is important for you to understand. According to the American Academy of Oral Medicine, bruxism during sleep is very different from bruxism while awake. This is because when someone is sleeping they are not aware of what they are doing, which can lead to a large amount of force being placed on the jaws and in turn cause jaw pain, jaw dysfunction and/or ongoing fatigue.

Pros and cons of a dental night guard for bruxism

The list below includes some of the pros and cons that come with choosing to use a dental night guard in order to prevent teeth clenching during the night.

Pro: It protects the teeth from damage

A dental night guard protects the teeth from damage by cushioning the effects of clenching while sleeping. This cushion barrier helps to prevent chipped teeth and worn-down teeth, two of the more common problems associated with the act of clenching one’s teeth.

Pro: It helps prevent jaw pain and headaches

Because the act of clenching one's teeth during the night places a lot of stress on the jaw, many people who clench their teeth will experience various levels of jaw pain. This jaw pain can eventually lead to their experiencing ongoing headaches and even migraines, making it difficult for them to function throughout the day.

Pro: It helps support a good night’s sleep

Since many people who clench their teeth during the night will wake themselves up when they are clenching, wearing a night guard will allow them to get a better night’s sleep. This is because night guards take the brunt of the force of clenching as they are made with the goal of keeping one’s muscles relaxed during sleep.

Con: Getting used to wearing the guard

It often takes patients a few weeks to become accustomed to wearing a night guard. Placing it in the mouth about 10 minutes before going to bed is recommended, as this allows one to get used to the feeling of the dental device. Even though some people may be tempted to not wear it every night, it really is important to do so in order to prevent experiencing problems associated with teeth clenching.

Ready to protect your teeth from bruxism?

Ready to find out if a night guard is your solution? The fact that teeth clenching can cause a lot of damage to your teeth and, as a result, your overall good oral health, makes it necessary for you to find a solution to end your clenching. If you are interested in learning more about how a dental night guard can help you, contact us right now so we can get you scheduled for a consultation appointment.

Are you considering a night guard in the Evans area? Get more information at http://www.belairdentalassociates.com.

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