Dental Night Guards and Teeth Grinding
Why Teeth Grinding Is a Common Yet Overlooked Problem
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is incredibly common, though many patients aren’t aware they’re doing it. Most people grind or clench their teeth to some degree, whether due to stress, misaligned teeth, medication side effects, or even breathing issues. Unfortunately, without intervention, teeth grinding can lead to long-term damage, including cracked teeth, jaw pain, and even migraines.
Dental night guards are a simple but effective solution to prevent these problems, alleviating symptoms and protecting your teeth from wear and tear.
How Night Guards Relieve Pain and Protect Teeth
Dental night guards act as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, reducing the pressure caused by clenching or grinding. This not only prevents physical damage to your teeth but also alleviates stress on the muscles and nerves connected to the jaw and head.
For some patients, this can even resolve chronic issues like migraines. One of our patients, who had been suffering from migraines for years, found complete relief after being fitted with a custom dental night guard. She went 45 days without a migraine—a life-changing outcome after years of debilitating pain.
Common Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
Diagnosing Teeth Grinding and Its Effects
Patients often don’t realize they’re grinding their teeth until symptoms appear. Some of the most common signs include:
- Flattened or worn-down teeth: Back teeth lose their natural points, becoming flat over time.
- Chipping of front teeth: Grinding weakens the edges of teeth, making them prone to chipping, which could cause cracked tooth pain.
- Sensitivity: Teeth may become sensitive to hot or cold due to enamel wear.
- Jaw soreness or pain: Patients often wake up with a sore jaw or notice clicking or popping sounds.
- Morning headaches: Tension in the jaw can radiate to the head, causing headaches.
- Difficulty chewing: Foods like bagels or chewy meats can become painful to eat.
If left untreated, teeth grinding can lead to more serious problems like cracked teeth, TMJ disorders, and even tooth loss. Visit one of our dentists near you to address these issues before they worsen.
At Hawley Lane Dental, we take a proactive approach to identifying teeth grinding, often before it becomes symptomatic. Signs we look for during exams include:
- Wear patterns: Uneven wear on teeth or divots where teeth repeatedly press together.
- Flattening or chipping: Visual damage that indicates grinding or clenching.
- Jaw pain or morning discomfort: Reported by the patient.
- Sensitivity or gum recession: Often linked to excessive pressure on teeth.
Even if a patient hasn’t noticed these symptoms, we discuss what we’re seeing and recommend night guards to protect their teeth and prevent future problems.
Night Guards for TMJ and Migraines
One of the lesser-known benefits of night guards is their ability to alleviate migraines and TMJ-related pain. The nerves in your head and jaw are all connected, so clenching your teeth at night can trigger inflammation and tension in these areas. By reducing this pressure, night guards can:
For many patients, this relief is life-changing. Even if the night guard doesn’t completely resolve these issues, it still protects the teeth from further damage—a win-win solution.
When to Consider a Dental Night Guard
Many patients ask whether they need a night guard or wait until symptoms appear. Our answer? Prevention is always better than treatment. We recommend night guards to patients showing any of these signs:
Even if you’re not experiencing discomfort, a night guard can prevent damage and keep your teeth healthier in the long run.
Why Custom Night Guards Are Better Than Store-Bought
While over-the-counter night guards are available, they often fail to provide the same level of protection and comfort as a custom-fitted option. Here’s why custom night guards are worth the investment:
Addressing Common Concerns About Night Guards
Some patients worry that wearing a night guard might feel uncomfortable or unnatural. However, most quickly adjust to using one, and the benefits far outweigh any initial discomfort. We often remind patients that the worst-case scenario is continuing to experience headaches or jaw pain, but the best case is life-changing relief and protection.
How We Fit Patients for a Custom Night Guard
Our process for creating a custom night guard is simple and stress-free:
This process results in a guard that’s comfortable, effective, and built to last.
Why Early Intervention Matters
One of the most rewarding parts of recommending night guards is knowing they prevent long-term damage and costly treatments. Without a night guard, grinding can lead to cracked teeth, which often require crowns, root canals, or even extractions. By addressing the issue early, we help patients avoid these invasive procedures while improving their quality of life.
Protect Your Smile with a Custom Night Guard
If you’re waking up with jaw pain, noticing sensitivity, or seeing wear on your teeth, it’s time to consider a dental night guard. A custom night guard can help alleviate TMJ discomfort, protect your teeth from the effects of grinding, and prevent long-term damage. Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms yet, investing in a night guard for TMJ and dental protection is a proactive way to safeguard your smile. Contact our dentists in Stratford, Connecticut today to schedule an appointment and learn how a custom night guard can benefit you.
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Monday - 9:00am–5:00pm
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Tuesday - 8:00am–5:00pm
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Wednesday - 8:00am–5:00pm
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Thursday - 8:00am–5:00pm
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Friday - 8:00am–5:00pm
