Nightguard for Teeth Grinding and Jaw Pain

Don’t you think it is frustrating to spend whole nights gnashing your teeth together, only to wake up with sore jaws and damaged teeth?

If you experience this, you are not alone as 8% of the world population report grinding their teeth.

In fact, I think that figure may not be accurate because a lot of people don’t even know that they grind their teeth, as it mostly occurs when one is sleeping. If not corrected, bruxism- the medical term for grinding, can lead to broken teeth, cracked teeth, or even tooth loss.

There is a simple, non-invasive treatment for your grinding called a Nightguard or Splint, and I am sure you are wondering if wearing a nightguard could help you.

Let’s face it, maybe you do need one, or maybe you don’t, but it is important for you to know everything about nightguards which might help you decide if one is right for you or not.

At Passion Family Dental North Lakes, we recommend you come in and see us to get a dentist’s professional opinion. The dentist North Lakes can assess your mouth and advise if this is the correct treatment for you and see if your grinding has caused any damage to your teeth.

What is a Nightguard

A nightguard is also known as a dental guard, is a device placed in the mouth on top of the teeth to help with grinding and clenching which is called bruxism.

Grinding infers the moving of the jaw forward and backward, while clenching is biting down with pressure for an extended timeframe, both can make some quite scary sounds. The guard acts as a protective layer between your top and bare teeth.

For the most part, the guard is made of plastic and is placed over a few or the majority of the upper or lower teeth. Much of the time, guards cover just your upper teeth. If you wear braces or have another dental appliance, a dentist can prescribe a guard for your lower teeth, too.

Nightguards shield your teeth from grinding or clenching together, which can make you chip and break your teeth and strain your jaw muscles.

Nightguards don’t prevent you from clenching or grinding, however, they fill in as a pad with the goal that your teeth wear out the guard as opposed to your teeth. They likewise give your jaw a rest while you sleep.

Get a Custom-Fitted Nightguard

Yes, of course you can buy less expensive nightguards over the counter than the ones you’ll find at a dentist surgery. But there are reasons why custom-fitted nightguards are the best option for you and why they are worth the extra money.

Firstly, you want to make sure your jaw is properly aligned with the right guard, or you might be creating a new set of problems for your mouth.

Moreover, an accurately aligned mouthguard won’t fall out or fit poorly. More so, it won’t push on your gums or make you feel uncomfortable, and it definitely will last much longer than you expect.

For a dentist to make a custom-fitted nightguard they will need to take an impression of your teeth and have it manufactured in a lab just for you. The nightguard will perfectly fit your teeth and will be comfortable, allowing you a good nights rest.

When you’re ready to make a commitment to keep your teeth healthy and your smile beautiful, contact us at Passion Family Dental North Lakes. We’ll be happy to help you and your family in a friendly, comfortable, and safe environment.

When you’re prepared to make a commitment to keep your pearly whites healthy and your smile beautiful, visit Passion Family Dental North Lakes at Unit 4/ 6 Endeavour Boulevard, North Lakes, QLD 4509 or call (07) 3465 1199 to schedule a visit.