Are you hurting your teeth while you sleep? If you often wake up with a headache or sore jaw, have teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold, or are tired throughout the day, you may grind your teeth in your sleep. This unconscious behavior is known as bruxism. Since it typically occurs while you’re asleep, it can be difficult to recognize before it begins to cause discomfort and damage. Thankfully, a custom nightguard from your Louisville dentist can relieve your symptoms, protect your mouth, and help you wake up feeling refreshed every morning. Here are the top five benefits of these comfortable, lightweight dental devices.
Stop Snoring and Sleep Easier
This symptom of bruxism can keep both you and your partner from sleeping well. When the jaw is clenched, the muscles of the throat may tighten and cause the airways to narrow. Since your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, snoring can lead to a bad night’s sleep, daytime drowsiness, or gasping or choking awake. A custom nightguard can gently push your jaw forward and hold it in place as you sleep to keep your airways open.
Relax Your Jaw
Nightguards are designed to be easy and comfortable to wear. As they rest in your mouth while you sleep, they hold your jaw in a natural position that’s designed to reduce pressure on your teeth and jaw joints. This prevents teeth grinding and encourages your jaw and the surrounding muscles to relax.
Protect Your Teeth
One of the main goals of a nightguard is to protect your teeth from damage. When you grind your teeth, the pressure wears away at the tough outer layer of enamel. As it weakens, your teeth become more susceptible to cracking and chipping. This also exposes the sensitive layer of dentin underneath, which will cause sensitivity to hot and cold. Fortunately, wearing a nightguard can prevent this!
Reduce Pain
The extra pressure placed on your jaw from bruxism can affect nearly all of the surrounding muscles, spreading pain and soreness throughout. When that pressure is minimized by a nightguard, it can have a domino effect of relief for the rest of your head. Many people are surprised to find that using a nightguard lets them experience fewer headaches, less neck stiffness, and less pain in their face and sinuses.
Prevent Long-Term Damage
Bruxism can easily cause microscopic cracks and fissures in your teeth once it’s weakened the enamel. These allow bacteria to access and infect the innermost parts of your teeth. Not only is this painful, but it may require root canal therapy or extraction to treat.
While you can purchase a standard, one size fits all nightguard from your local drugstore, you are not likely to get the protection or relief that you need. Instead, visit your dentist to get a custom designed nightguard that will effectively treat your symptoms and protect your smile.
About the Practice
Bell Dental has been providing the Louisville, KY area with excellent dental care services for over two decades. From your first appointment, you’ll be able to tell that our team of highly trained dentists is dedicated to upholding our legacy of quality care and state-of-the-art treatment. No matter what oral health obstacle you face, we’re here to help you obtain the smile you’ve always wanted with a variety of custom treatments, including nightguards. If you’d like to know more, we can be contacted at our website or (502) 749-2355.