Protect Your Teeth at Night with Custom Sleep Guards

Clenching and grinding your teeth throughout the night can permanently chip and damage your enamel. This can lead to a higher risk of tooth decay, cracked teeth, and even tooth infections.  

But with a custom-fitted sleep guard from Wilmington Family Dental, you can protect your smile, snooze in comfort, and rest peacefully. Worried about nighttime grinding? Call us to schedule your consultation with Dr. S. Zak Hallock right away!

How Can I Tell If I Grind My Teeth at Night?

Not sure if you’re suffering from teeth grinding (bruxism) at night? Here are some of the most common issues that you can look out for:

• Your partner hears grinding and clicking noises when you sleep

• Worn down or chipped teeth, especially front teeth

• Headaches and facial pain, especially when first waking

• Sore and achy jaw muscles

• Low-quality sleep

Every patient is different, so the signs of nighttime teeth grinding can vary. The best way to know for sure whether or not you grind your teeth is to see Dr. Hallock for a checkup.

What Happens If I Don’t Get a Night Guard?

If you know that you grind your teeth at night, you should definitely invest in a night guard. Untreated bruxism can easily lead to serious issues that affect both your oral and whole-body health, including:

• Premature tooth wear – Your teeth are only meant to come together when you bite and chew food. When you grind your teeth at night, you’re constantly rubbing them together, which results in premature wear and tear.

• Permanent tooth damage – Worn-down teeth are weaker and are more prone to tooth decay, as well as chipping and cracking when eating (or when grinding). In turn, this damage can lead to issues like tooth infections or even tooth loss.

• Higher risk of TMJ/TMD – The stress of constantly grinding your teeth together puts lots of pressure on the TMJ. This small joint is located just below each ear and connects your jawbone to your skull. Over time, this can result in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD), a painful condition that can cause jaw pain, stiffness, and even locking up.

• Increased risk of snoring/sleep apnea – Although scientists are not yet sure of the connection, people who grind their teeth at night also have a higher risk of snoring as well as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Why Should I Choose a Custom Sleep Guard?

It’s true that you can find off-the-shelf “boil and bite” sleep guards at most drugstores and supermarkets. However, custom dental guards from Wilmington Family Dental are a much better choice. Why? There are a few reasons.

First, a custom sleep guard is made by a dentist to fit perfectly into your mouth. You’ll barely notice your night guard while you’re wearing it, so you can snooze peacefully without worrying about sleep interruptions.

Off-the-shelf products also have a custom fit, since you heat them up and then bite down to leave an imprint of your teeth. However, they must be made of a much thicker, softer material. This means they can be somewhat bulky and uncomfortable and interfere with proper sleep.

Custom sleep guards are also stronger and much more durable than off-the-shelf night guards. They're made of very thin, strong plastic that provides superior protection and longevity. With proper care, your custom-fitted night guard from Dr. Hallock can easily last 5+ years.

Speaking of which, it’s also easier to care for a custom-fitted night guard. The smooth, hard plastic is easier to clean than softer off-the-shelf night guards. When you come in for a checkup at Wilmington Family Dental, our team will be happy to clean your night guard for you during your visit. Just bring it in with you and ask!

How Else Can I Reduce Teeth Grinding at Night?

With a night guard, you can prevent tooth damage due to nighttime teeth grinding. But it’s also a good idea to take other steps to reduce the intensity and frequency of teeth grinding both at night and during the day, such as:

• Being more aware of clenching during the day

• Avoiding really hard or chewy foods (nuts, ice, jerky, etc.)

• Taking steps to reduce stress and anxiety

• Eliminating caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol use, especially before bed

• Performing jaw stretches and massages

If these steps don’t work or you have an especially severe case, you may also be able to see your primary care physician for prescription medication. Muscle relaxers, for example, can help reduce the frequency and severity of grinding.  

Get Peace of Mind with a Custom-Fitted Night Guard

If you need a dentist in Kettering to help you overcome nighttime teeth grinding, Dr. Hallock is here for you. Don’t wait, and don’t let untreated bruxism damage your teeth any further. Give us Wilmington Family Dental a call to book your first visit, get your custom sleep guard, and enjoy relaxing, restful sleep once again.

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