Do you ever wake up with a headache? A sore jaw? Pain in your teeth? Do you notice these symptoms after a long day at work? Or do you feel like your teeth are becoming more sensitive recently? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may be a grinder! If that is the case, then a night guard is the perfect appliance that can not only fix some of your symptoms, but also protect your teeth!
Why is grinding bad?
We all grind our teeth subconsciously, when under stress for example, but some are worse than others. Grinding is a hard habit to break, mostly because it’s subconscious. However, grinding teeth can wear away the enamel, which is the hard exterior surface of the tooth. Once enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back. Worst cases can grind the enamel to the point where the pulp of the tooth is exposed. This leads to severe pain and sensitivity to air, temperature, and pressure.
In addition to wearing away enamel, grinders can not only grind during the day, but also during their sleep. Headaches and soreness can result, making it even more difficult to get through daily activities and possibly adding even more stress, which begins the cycle all over again!
What does a night guard do?
A night guard is an appliance that can be worn at night while sleeping. It’s a flexible but hard plastic material that sits on the bottom teeth and acts as a barrier, protecting your teeth. The hardness of the plastic acts as a durable “wall” between the upper and lower teeth, while the flexibility allows you to gnaw away without cracking your night guard.
Custom made just for you, an impression is taken to create a night guard that fits to your individual bite. You can grind and chew as much as you want, and it slowly wears away at the material. Depending on how severe the grinding is, the night guard must be replaced as it is being worn down.
Not only can night guards save your teeth, they can also make you a healthier person, allowing you to go through your day without having to stress about headaches or soreness or jaw pain. You can sleep sound, knowing that you and your teeth are protected.