Waking up with headaches or jaw pain? You could be grinding your teeth while sleeping and not even know it. Grinding teeth, or bruxism, is a disorder that impacts millions of individuals and can do extensive damage to the teeth over the years. A Dental night guard simple and effective solution to avoid the jaw and teeth from the harm of grinding, particularly when you are doing it unknowingly while you sleep.
1. You Wake Up with Jaw Pain or Soreness
If you’re regularly waking up with tightness, discomfort, or soreness in your jaw, this is one of the most common signs of nighttime teeth grinding. The jaw muscles can become strained and swollen from clenching for hours, resulting in all-day pain. The pain even radiates to your ears or neck.
2. You Experience Frequent Headaches
Morning headaches of a tension-like or band character involving the temples are most frequently the consequence of grinding of the teeth. The constant pressure from jaw clenching affects the muscles around your head and neck. If you’ve been wondering, “How do I know if I need a night guard?” persistent headaches upon waking could be your answer.
For those in the area, TMJ – Anti-Grinding Night Guards in NE Calgary are available to help manage this issue and protect your long-term oral health.
3. Your Teeth Are Becoming Worn Down
Look closely at your teeth. Are the edges flattened or chipped? Do they seem shorter than they used to be? These could be physical signs that you’re grinding your teeth in your sleep. Over time, this can lead to enamel loss, increased sensitivity, and even fractures. A custom-fit night guard can act as a barrier, reducing this wear and tear and preserving your natural tooth structure.
4. You Hear Clicking or Popping Sounds in Your Jaw
Do you ever experience clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth? This may be a sign of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, often accompanied by grinding at night. Though not always painful, this can indicate your jaw is in strain and that a sleep guard for teeth grinding will be required to relieve the strain.
5. You Have Increased Tooth Sensitivity
Enamel erosion caused by grinding can expose the more sensitive inner layers of your teeth. This leads to discomfort when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods. If you’ve suddenly started experiencing tooth sensitivity without cavities or gum issues, it may be due to bruxism. Wearing a night guard can help shield your enamel from further damage.
6. You’ve Been Told You Grind Your Teeth
At other times, the indicators are not physical, but your partner’s or dentist’s. If your partner hears grinding noises during the night or your dentist observes wear patterns on your teeth, then it is a positive indication that a night guard is required. When comparing night guard vs mouth guard, note that night guards are designed to be used only at night and provide cushioning to reduce stress on your jaw joints and teeth.
Wake Up Refreshed, Not In Pain – Get Your Custom Night Guard At Totally Orthodontics!
Bruxism can be a minor problem, but down the line, it could become severe dental problems and constant pain. A night guard tailor-made for your mouth is a preventive treatment to preserve your smile, sleep soundly, and prevent expensive procedures in the future. Grinding teeth issues? Schedule an appointment for a night guard today at Totally Orthodontics and start towards a healthier, better rest.
