Night Guards

The Purpose of Dental Night Guards

It is not unusual for people to suffer from a condition called bruxism. It is more commonly known as teeth grinding. For those who tend to grind their teeth during daytime hours, it can be easily controlled. However, those who grind their teeth at night, may wake up with painful jaws, sore gums or sensitive teeth. Night guards can be an effective treatment option and serve three basic purposes.

Purpose 1: Alleviate Painful Jaws

Someone who clenches or grinds their teeth in their sleep usually wakes up with aches and pains in their jaws. While you are clenching your teeth, the muscles in the jaws are having to exert a lot of force. This can mean lots of pain in the morning. A dental night guard can provide enough cushion between the jaws to keep you from clenching as tightly.

Purpose 2: Prevent Enamel Erosion

Enamel is supposed to be the hardest substance in the body. But it can still become eroded if it’s put under constant pressure caused by bruxism. Grinding your teeth can wear away at the tooth’s enamel and lead to the exposure of dentin. If bruxism is not treated, the nerves in a tooth can be exposed and can lead to a lot of pain. A night guard creates a barrier which will keep the teeth from wearing down.

Purpose 3: Prevent Snoring

Snoring is a problem since it can interrupt good sleep. You may also be keeping others awake with your snoring. A large number of people who snore also suffer from sleep apnea which is a sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing for short amounts of time. Night guards may be used to help a person breathe better and they can also prevent snoring.