Most people who grind or clench their teeth are unaware of this habit. For this reason, they may experience tooth sensitivity or notice chips in their enamel without understanding the cause. The good news is that our dentist in South Bend, IN, will thoroughly examine your teeth during your next appointment. That way, he’ll be able to diagnose teeth grinding and recommend a custom night guard as soon as possible.
Here are some of the top benefits of wearing a custom teeth-grinding guard at night.
Avoid Tooth Sensitivity
Enamel is the protective outer layer of your teeth. Once it’s gone, you can’t grow it back. Instead, you’ll have to do everything you can to preserve what enamel is left so you can maintain good oral health. This includes wearing a night guard for teeth grinding.
With less enamel, you don’t have as much protection for the underlying layer of dentin. This layer contains microscopic tubules that go directly to the nerves inside your teeth. When heat or cold touches these nerves, you experience sensitivity.
As you grind and clench your teeth, you gradually wear away the enamel over time. This enamel loss may be so gradual that you don’t even realize there’s a problem until you start experiencing tooth sensitivity to heat and cold.
Prevent Chips and Cracks
Have you noticed tiny chips or cracks in your teeth? If you can’t remember what caused them, it’s possible that you’re grinding or clenching your teeth at night. The tremendous amount of force that your jaws are exerting on your teeth is enough to cause noticeable damage over time.
If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth at night, it’s time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cochran. Most likely, he’ll recommend that you wear a night guard while you sleep. This appliance works by providing a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth.
Prevent Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders
Do you ever wake up with a sore jaw? You may be grinding your teeth at night and not even know it! If this is the case, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with Dr. Cochran right away to discuss the possibility of getting a custom night guard. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to jaw pain and TMJ disorders in the long run.
Avoid Dental Emergencies
There’s never a good time to experience a dental emergency, especially when you lead a busy life. If you’re grinding your teeth while you sleep and not wearing a night guard, you’re increasing your risk of a dental emergency. This may come in the form of a cracked tooth or even a cavity due to enamel loss.
If you think you may be grinding your teeth at night, there’s never been a better time to schedule an appointment with Select Dental Associates.
Save Money in the Long Run
A custom night guard is an investment in your oral health and wellness. As such, it’s worth it to get a custom night guard if you know you’re grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep. A night guard prevents further damage to your smile, protecting the enamel from cracks and chips. Likewise, a night guard also alleviates pressure on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), preventing headaches, migraines, jaw pain, facial pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
By preventing dental emergencies related to bruxism, you’ll be able to save money in the long run. Not to mention, you’ll experience peace of mind knowing that you’re doing everything in your power to protect your smile. Take our word for it, preventive dental care is worth every penny!
Book a Night Guard Consultation
Dr. Joseph Cochran is proud to serve as a dentist in South Bend, IN. To schedule an appointment and learn if you’re a candidate for a custom night guard, please call Select Dental Associates at (574) 213-7478. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.