Teeth grinding at night, also known as nocturnal bruxism, is an unconscious and involuntary grinding of teeth. Causes of teeth grinding may include stress, anxiety, sleep apnea, bite issues, and having a vitamin deficiency. Research has shown that the prevalence of teeth grinding has recently increased due to stress from COVID-19.

The symptoms of teeth grinding include facial pain, headaches, stiffness in the jaw joint, worn-down teeth, and disrupted sleep. Treating nocturnal bruxism is important as part of your overall dental care routine, given that it increases the likelihood of dental damage.

In this blog post, we will look at the effectiveness of using a night guard for teeth grinding.

How Do I Know If I Grind My Teeth At Night?

This is a valid question as nocturnal bruxism is something that occurs when we are unconscious and therefore not aware of it. However, there are signs that you can watch out for. Firstly, if you notice that you are grinding your teeth during the day (known as awake bruxism), there is a chance that you are doing the same at night.

Other signs that you are grinding your teeth at night are if you wake up with a stiff neck, sore jaw, and/or pain around the head and neck area. You may feel as should you have a headache or earache.

One other common sign of teeth grinding is tooth wear. A dentist will be able to inspect your teeth for signs of wear and teeth grinding.

What Are the Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard?

When you wear a night guard, your top and bottom teeth will have no contact with each other while you sleep.

While many people are completely unaware that they are grinding their teeth (until they wake up in the morning), others can experience disturbed sleeping patterns. Teeth grinding may affect your partner’s sleep quality.

If you are concerned about your dental health, then a night guard is important. Teeth grinding can cause tooth damage such as enamel loss, overly-sensitive teeth, damage to your fillings, and chipped or broken teeth.

If you are experiencing jaw tension and pain, headaches, or snoring, a night guard is highly recommended. Wearing a night guard can also help you to save money in the long term. Preventing damage to your teeth means that you will require fewer visits to the dentist in the future.

Promote Dental Care By Wearing a Night Guard

Wearing mouth guards for teeth grinding at night can help to avoid significant dental complications. If you suffer from nocturnal bruxism, it is recommended that you include wearing a night guard as part of your overall dental care routine.

Lasting Smiles of Highland Park is the No. 1 Highland Park dentistry clinic. If you are interested in learning more about wearing a night guard for teeth grinding, contact our professional and friendly team today.