Night Guards

Do you wake up with headaches, jaw pain, or sore teeth? These are common signs that you might be grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep, a condition known as bruxism. Left untreated, bruxism can cause significant damage to your teeth, jaw, and oral health. Fortunately, night guards in Fall River, MA, offer a simple and effective solution to protect your teeth and alleviate pain caused by nighttime grinding and clenching. A visit to your dentist in Fall River, MA, can help diagnose bruxism and create a customized night guard to prevent further damage and improve your quality of life.

What Are Night Guards?

Night guards are custom-made dental devices worn over teeth while you sleep. They act as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing the wear and tear caused by grinding and clenching. Night guards are usually made from durable yet comfortable materials such as acrylic or soft plastic, ensuring that they provide protection without causing discomfort during sleep.

There are two main types of night guards:

• Soft night guards: These are typically recommended for people with mild to moderate bruxism. They are made from a flexible material that cushions the teeth and absorbs the force of grinding or clenching.
• Hard night guards: Hard night guards, also known as occlusal splints, are made from a more rigid material for severe cases of bruxism or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders. They are designed to realign the jaw and reduce the pressure exerted on the teeth and jaw muscles.

Your dentist in Fall River, MA, will determine which type of night guard is best suited to your needs based on your symptoms and the severity of your condition.

Signs You Might Need a Night Guard

Many people are unaware that they grind or clench their teeth at night because it occurs while they sleep. However, several signs and symptoms may indicate you have bruxism and could benefit from night guards in Fall River, MA: 

• Morning headaches: Persistent headaches, especially in the morning, are a common sign of teeth grinding. The constant tension in the jaw muscles can trigger tension headaches.
• Jaw pain or discomfort: If you experience soreness or tightness in your jaw upon waking, it could be due to clenching your jaw during the night.
• Worn or damaged teeth: Grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel, making your teeth more prone to sensitivity, cracks, and chips. 
• Ear pain: Although bruxism doesn’t directly affect the ears, the pressure from clenching your jaw can cause referred pain in the ear area.
• Tooth sensitivity: Grinding your teeth can wear down the protective enamel, increasing tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Fall River, MA, to discuss the possibility of using a night guard to prevent further damage. If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, contact us at Dentistry With A Smile, LLC, for the best night guards, and sleep soundly and worry-free.

Benefits of Using Night Guards

Night guards can provide a wide range of benefits for those who suffer from bruxism or jaw-related disorders. Some of the most notable advantages include: 

Protection From Tooth Damage

Bruxism can cause significant damage to teeth over time. Constant grinding and clenching wear down the enamel, leading to chips, cracks, and even tooth loss in severe cases. A night guard acts as a protective shield, preventing the teeth from coming into direct contact with one another, which helps avoid further damage.

Alleviates Jaw Pain and Tension

Night guards help reduce the strain on the jaw muscles and joints by preventing clenching and grinding. This can lead to a noticeable reduction in jaw pain and tension, which is especially beneficial for people who suffer from TMJ disorders.

Reduces Headaches and Facial Pain

The tension caused by grinding and clenching can lead to chronic headaches and facial pain. Using a night guard helps to alleviate the pressure on the muscles and nerves in the jaw, significantly reducing these headaches.

Prevents Sleep Disruptions

Bruxism often disrupts sleep for both the person grinding their teeth and their partner, as the noise can be quite loud. Night guards help to minimize grinding sounds, allowing for a more restful night’s sleep for everyone involved.

Cost-Effective Solution

Compared to the cost of repairing damaged teeth or undergoing more invasive treatments for TMJ disorders, night guards are a cost-effective solution for preventing long-term dental problems. Regular use of a night guard can save you from more expensive and complex dental procedures in the future.

Why Custom-Made Night Guards Are the Best Option

While over-the-counter night guards are available, they often lack the comfort and durability of custom-made guards provided by a Fall River, MA, dentist. Custom night guards have several advantages over store-bought alternatives: 

• Perfect fit: Custom night guards are made using precise molds of your teeth, ensuring a perfect fit. This makes them more comfortable to wear and less likely to slip out of place during the night.
• Durability: Custom night guards are made from high-quality materials designed to withstand the pressure of grinding and clenching. They are more durable than over-the-counter options and last longer.
• Personalized for your needs: A custom night guard can be tailored to address your specific issues, such as adjusting the thickness or hardness to suit the severity of your bruxism.
• Long-term comfort: Because they are designed specifically for your mouth, custom night guards are more comfortable and less likely to cause irritation or discomfort than generic, store-bought options.

Your dentist in Fall River, MA, will work with you to create a custom night guard that fits perfectly and provides maximum protection and relief from bruxism.

How to Care for Your Night Guard

Proper care and maintenance of your night guard are essential to ensure it remains effective and lasts for a long time. Here are some tips for keeping your night guard in good condition:

• Clean it daily: Rinse your night guard with water each morning and gently brush it with a toothbrush (no toothpaste) to remove any buildup. This prevents bacteria from accumulating on the guard.
• Store it properly: Keep your night guard in a protective case when not in use to prevent damage. Ensure the case has proper ventilation to avoid moisture buildup.
• Schedule regular dental checkups: During your regular dental visits, bring your night guard so your dentist in Fall River, MA, can check for any signs of wear and tear and ensure it continues to fit properly.

Conclusion

If you suffer from teeth grinding, jaw pain, or frequent headaches, it’s time to consider the benefits of night guards in Fall River, MA. A custom night guard from your dentist in Fall River, MA, can protect your teeth, relieve pain, and improve your overall quality of life.

So schedule an appointment with us at Dentistry With A Smile, LLC, 920 Plymouth Avenue, Fall River, MA 02721. For bookings and consultations, call (508) 672-6471. Please visit our official website to learn more about our various services.