Who Should Wear a Nightguard?

Should everyone wear a nightguard? Clenching or grinding teeth during sleep — what doctors and dentists call bruxism — is a fairly common behavior. Because people grind or clench their teeth while asleep, that habit is something they have no control over. Bruxism can be damaging because it wears a person’s teeth out over time.

If you know you grind your teeth while sleeping, you may be curious as to whether you should wear a nightguard. The answer to that is probably. There is no simple 'yes' or 'no' answer because everybody's case is different. Thus, you may need to wear a nightguard during the night or you may not.


 

What Is a Nightguard?


A nightguard is a piece of hard or soft plastic placed inside the mouth. It sits along the top or bottom teeth to reduce the effects of grinding and clenching. Because patients have different patterns of teeth, dentists customize nightguards to suit your teeth without the danger of being bulky or uncomfortable.


 

Who Should Wear a Nightguard?


Not everyone should wear a nightguard. Only two types of people should use nightguards: people with TMJ disorder and those with symptoms of bruxism.


 

TMJ Syndrome


TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome refers to dental issues affecting the jaw muscles that attach the jaw to the skull. People with this syndrome have trouble aligning their teeth in a neutral position due to issues with the jaw muscles. They might grind their teeth while resting as they try to move their jaw in a less painful position.


 

Bruxism


Bruxism is the correct word for tooth grinding or clenching. Bruxism and jaw injuries usually cause TMJ syndrome. Individuals with bruxism clench their teeth firmly together while sleeping, grinding them one against the other.


With time, bruxism can lead to breaks and cracks on the molars, as well as extreme tooth decay. Before you consider getting a nightguard, you must find out whether you clench or grind your teeth at night.


 

Symptoms of Teeth Grinding


Teeth grinding is often linked to high levels of anxiety or stress. It often occurs while a person is sleeping, focusing on something, or under a lot of stress. Teeth grinding can cause the following symptoms:

  • Sore teeth or jaw.
  • Facial discomfort.
  • Pain in the ears.
  • Headache.
  • Stiffness and discomfort in the jaw.
  • Worn out teeth.
  • Trouble sleeping, either you or your companion.
  • Cracked teeth or fillings.


 

Talk to Your Dentist


If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit your dentist. He or she will examine your teeth for signs of bruxism or TMJ syndrome. Your dentist’s recommendations will depend on your health and medical history, as well as what could be causing you to clench or grind your teeth. If your teeth clenching and grinding arises from stress or a breathing disorder, your doctor will suggest ways to deal with that.


For more on who should wear a nightguard, visit Today's Family Dental at our office in Tampa or Lutz, Florida. You can call (813) 370-1700 or (813) 212-8700 today to book an appointment.

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