Night Guards Have Multiple Benefits

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Cleveland occlusal guard

A good night’s sleep is the best gift you can give yourself. However, for many people, teeth grinding or clenching during sleep, a condition known as bruxism, can disrupt it leading to major oral health consequences. Thankfully, dental night guards offer a simple yet effective solution to this problem. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist explains how occlusal guards work and why you should invest in one yourself.

How Do Night Guards Work?

Dental night guards, also known as occlusal splints, are custom-made oral appliances that fit comfortably over your teeth. They are typically made of a soft, flexible, and durable dental-grade plastic material. They work in several ways to protect your teeth and alleviate the symptoms of teeth grinding:

  • When you grind or clench your teeth, excessive pressure is exerted on your teeth and jaw joints. Night guards act as a cushion, absorbing some of this force and distributing it evenly across your teeth. This helps minimize the wear and tear and reduces the strain on your jaw muscles.
  • By creating a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, they prevent the damaging effects of teeth grinding and clenching. This helps reduce the risk of cracks, fractures, and chips in your teeth, as well as alleviating jaw pain and headaches associated with bruxism.
  • Night guards can help relax your jaw muscles, reducing tension and promoting a more restful sleep. By reducing muscle activity during sleep, night guards can also help alleviate other associated symptoms such as facial pain, earaches, and neck pain.

Benefits of Using a Dental Night Guard

Night guards are an excellent tool to maintain the integrity and position of your natural teeth. They provide a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the upper and lower teeth, minimizing the risk of tooth damage, fractures, and wear. The split also provides a safe and comfortable resting position for your jaw. Better sleep is easier to achieve for you and your partner without the disturbance of grinding noises and tossing and turning from an uncomfortable jaw position.

Schedule Your Visit Today

If you struggle with teeth grinding or clenching during sleep, a night guard can be a game-changer for you. Occlusal guards are a smart alternative to repairing and restoring damaged teeth due to grinding. To determine if this appliance is right for you, call our dental office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234. We also proudly serve patients and their families from Kingwood, New Caney, Conroe, Livingston, Huffman, and all surrounding communities.