Night Guards/ Bite Splints

Do you have the habit of teeth grinding or clenching during sleep? Do you often experience morning headaches or fatigues? Do you have pain and issues with your jaw and do not know its cause? You may have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction or other issues and may erode much of your tooth surface without recognizing it. And eventually, this may cause wear and tear of teeth, cracked teeth, inadequate tooth surface, or other serious dental problems.

At Foxfield Dental, our experienced dentist may suggest you a night guard to resolve all of these issues and protect your teeth and jaw from the consequences of involuntary teeth grinding. 

Nightguards, also called dental splints, are transparent dental trays fabricated to fit over the teeth to protect them from problems caused by bruxism or teeth grinding. Though they do not stop involuntary jaw actions or teeth grinding, they shield the teeth from the damage caused as a result.

When we wear a night guard or bite splint while sleeping, they shield the teeth and keep the jaws apart. Thus, it prevents undue pressure on the TMJ, reduces muscle strain, and saves the teeth from being chipped or cracked.

Teeth grinding is common among most men and women. Most people usually grind their teeth during their sleep. However, some even clench or grind teeth when awake.  

Look for these signs to understand if you grind your teeth at night:

Though the exact reason for teeth grinding is not apparent, the major contributing factors for the condition are as follows: 

Bruxism or teeth grinding can damage the dental enamel and cause wear and tear of teeth. This may leave the dentin or tooth nerves exposed to cavities, discoloration, or fractures. Exposed dentin may cause teeth sensitivity, gum recession, and teeth loss if left untreated for long. Use of a bite splint or night guard can prevent the upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other, thus preventing any possible damage. 

If you experience any tooth pain but do not notice any decay or cavities, bruxism and the resulting enamel damage may be the reason. Wearing a night guard at night can prevent this discomfort, reduce tooth sensitivity, and ease the pain from teeth grinding and clenching. 

If you experience TMJ disorders due to severe teeth grinding or jaw clenching, wearing a nightguard can help address the issue.