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Here's Why You Need a Night Guard If You're Teeth Grinding

Ryan Raybould • May 6, 2023

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is the clenching and grinding of your teeth. It's a common problem; you may not even know you're doing it. Many people grind their teeth at night, leading to dental problems. A dentist can usually tell if you have bruxism by your signs and symptoms. If you do, they may recommend you wear a night guard to bed.


4 Signs of Teeth Grinding

Here are four common signs that you grind your teeth during sleep:

1. Teeth Pain, Jaw Soreness, or Earaches


Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is the clenching or grinding your teeth. It can put stress and strain on your jaw muscles, making them inflamed. This can cause pain in your jaw, teeth, or face. It can also make it difficult to open your mouth or chew. Bruxism can also cause earaches, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in your ears), and hearing loss in one or both ears.

2. Waking Up with a Headache

If you think you may be grinding your teeth at night, there are a few things you can do to help. First, try to keep a regular sleep schedule. This will help to ensure that you are getting enough rest. Second, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. These substances can increase the likelihood of teeth grinding. Third, wear a mouthguard while you sleep. This will help to protect your teeth from the grinding motion.

3. Visible Signs of Tooth Wear

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may grind your teeth at night. Grinding your teeth can be caused by many factors, such as stress, anxiety, and poor sleep habits.

4. You Are Told You Grind Your Teeth at Night

If someone tells you that your teeth grinding at night keeps them up, you should get a mouth guard to help stop the noise. Grinding your teeth can be a sign of stress or anxiety and cause discomfort for the person trying to sleep near you. If you think you might be grinding your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a mouth guard to help you sleep more peacefully.

How A Night Guard Can Stop Teeth Grinding

If you are experiencing symptoms of teeth grinding, it is best to visit a dental clinic for an examination. The dentist will be able to determine the cause of the grinding and what treatment options are available to you. You can wear a night guard to protect your teeth from the grinding forces. 



A night guard is a mouth guard that you wear over your teeth at night to keep them from grinding together. While a night guard will not cure bruxism, it will protect your teeth from the grinding forces. If you are experiencing jaw pain and other symptoms from your teeth grinding habit, it is time to stop and prevent further damage to your smile.

Conclusion

If you are teeth grinding, you need a night guard! It can help to protect your teeth from further damage and can also help to improve your overall oral health. So, if you're experiencing any of the symptoms of teeth grinding, see your dentist and ask about getting a night guard.



Exo Dental in Rogers, AR, provides comprehensive digital dentistry, dental implants, and oral surgery services like wisdom tooth removal for adults and teens. We provide a calm and relaxing experience, whether you're replacing a missing tooth or struggling with multiple oral health concerns. Our high-tech facility ensures a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else in NWA. If you want to get 3D-printed night guards, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us to book your appointment!

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