How Do I Know If I Need A Night Guard?

If you clench or grind your teeth at night- a condition known as bruxism- know that you aren’t the only one. Many adults do this unconsciously during their sleep, and the cause can be anything from sleep disorders, to stress, to different types of medication. Bruxism can have a serious impact on your oral health; along with causing a sore jaw and migraines, clenching and grinding can wear down your tooth enamel and damage your temporomandibular joints, and even lead to the breaking and cracking of your teeth.

If you suffer from bruxism, your dentist in Winnipeg may recommend that you invest in night guards near you. Here are some of the common questions that our team at Polo Park Dental hears about bruxism and night guards.

What is a Night Guard, and What is it Used For?

A night guard, also referred to as a bruxism appliance, is a thin dental appliance that fits over your upper teeth and is worn while you sleep. The night guard prevents your upper and lower teeth from touching and protects your teeth from damage when you grind or clench during the night.

Are Night Guards Really Effective?

In short, the answer is yes. A night guard that is properly fitted by a dentist near you will prevent damage to your teeth due to bruxism because it places a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth. It also provides some more cushioning that lessens the pain and tension in the jaw associated with bruxism.

Is Wearing a Night Guard Safe?

Some people worry about the safety aspect of wearing something in their mouths as they sleep. After all, isn’t that a choking hazard? Not to worry, as long as your night guard is properly fitted, then it is safe to wear when you sleep and will stay firmly around your upper teeth. The best thing to do is to seek night guards in Winnipeg from a dental professional because an over-the-counter, stock night guard will likely be difficult to keep in place and make sleeping challenging and uncomfortable.

At Polo Park Dental, our team uses state-of-the-art technology to scan your mouth and create a completely customized night guard that is made to perfectly fit your mouth structure in our dental lab. With our custom-made night guards, you will be sure to rest comfortably and safely.

Long-Term Solutions

If you have bruxism, a night guard is very helpful for protecting your jaw and teeth from damage, but depending on the cause, you still want to figure out how to stop clenching and grinding your teeth during the night. It is an excellent idea to speak to your dentist, doctor, and other health care professionals to address the cause of your clenching and grinding and find a solution.

Often, bruxism is caused by stress and finding the cause of that stress and ways to alleviate it is a great way to reduce your symptoms. Try speaking to a mental health professional, journaling, or meditating.

If you suspect that you may be suffering from bruxism, or have any other concerns about your oral health, our friendly and experienced team of dental professionals are just a phone call away. Please do not hesitate to contact us and book an appointment today!