How Night Guards Can Help Protect Your Teeth


If you grind your teeth during your sleep, you suffer from bruxism. Bruxism is an oral parafunctional activity that can result in severe headaches or pain in your jaw. Many adults suffer from bruxism, and it is becoming more common in children as well.

Most people clench their teeth at night, but bruxism is also a parafunctional habit that can occur during the day. If you want to know its most common causes, keep reading, as we will list them below.

Causes of Bruxism

  • Stress.
  • Teeth misalignment.
  • Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea.
  • Medication.

If a dentist near you diagnoses the root cause of the problem, you might not need to wear a mouthguard. For example, if your bruxism is due to sleep apnea, visiting a sleep specialist might be enough. But what if the cause is stress? Studies have shown that most people have some level of anxiety or stress in their lives, and it is impossible to eliminate it. Sure, you may reduce it, but there is always going to be something new that makes you anxious, and you will have a higher risk of clenching your teeth and jaw.

If your teeth are getting damaged due to bruxism, you should visit our dental clinic in Dryden to seek treatment before it develops serious problems.

How Does Bruxism Endanger My Teeth?

Even though your teeth are strong and resilient, bruxism can hurt them. The enamel (the first layer of the tooth that is visible in the mouth) naturally wears off teeth in time, but excessive and repetitive forces increase the loss of enamel. The enamel is the strongest layer of the tooth, and it protects the underlying dentin and pulp; so, if it wears off, your teeth will be more likely to develop decay.

Also, if you have dental restorations, bruxism can break them. And, if you don’t have any fillings, bruxism can crack your natural teeth, making them more vulnerable to infection.

What Can I Do?

If the cause of your bruxism is sleep apnea, you should schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist. If it is due to an alignment problem, visit an orthodontist for the best professional advice. For both of these cases, you will likely have to wear a guard before controlling the root problem to reduce the headaches.

And if it is due to stress or medication you cannot stop taking, night guards near you can help you.

Night Guards in Dryden

A night guard does not only protect your teeth and avoids enamel from wearing down; it also protects your entire face, jaw, and soft tissues, such as your tongue, lips, and gums. Also, they help to protect any dental restoration you may have.

There are two types of mouthguards:

Custom-made

They are designed and built specifically for your mouth, so the protection is higher, and they are more comfortable to wear.

Over-the-counter

These are not individualized for each patient, and you can buy them in any pharmacy. The plastic of these is thinner, so if you are not careful, you might bite through it.

If you excessively grind your teeth, your dentist might suggest a customized night guard for you. They are more expensive than the OTC guards, but they are worth it. Besides, as soon as you notice how your pain lessens, you will be glad you chose it.

Always consult with a dental professional before making a decision. You can contact us or set up an appointment to determine what option is best for you, according to your wants and needs. The important thing is to help you improve the quality of your life.

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