We don’t often think about the role our mouth plays in our sleep, unless we’re talking about snoring. But how your jaw and teeth align at night is actually crucial to both your oral health and sleep quality. Grinding or clenching our teeth at night can weaken our protective enamel layer as well as cause jaw and neck pain. Custom nightguards in Towson, MD, have helped patients find better sleep and healthier bites over the years. And they could help you, as well.
Benefits of Custom Nightguards
Nightguards are a common preventative dental appliance that often helps reduce the risk of damage to your teeth while sleeping. Many people who experience high levels of stress tend to grind their teeth or clench their jaws at night. A custom nightguard provides a layer of protection between your upper and lower teeth to help cushion the blow.
Stronger Teeth
When you grind your teeth at night, you start to wear away the protective enamel coating. Over time, this can lead to tooth sensitivity, gum disease, and decay. Wearing a nightguard provides a safe and comfortable surface for your teeth to rest against, reducing the strain on your enamel.
Reduced Jaw Pain
Clenching our jaws at night can lead to pain and discomfort both in our mouths and around our necks and shoulders. Custom nightguards add a protective layer that prevents you from closing your jaw too tightly. This can provide some relief to jaw pain and is often beneficial in managing TMJ symptoms.
A More Comfortable Fit
While you can get generic nightguards, it’s not recommended to use a one-size-fits-all oral appliance. Everyone has a unique bite. Wearing a nightguard that isn’t custom-fit can cause your teeth to shift or experience sensitivity and pain. An ill-fitting nightguard can even irritate your gums and increase the risk of dental concerns developing. When you get a custom nightguard, however, your dentist will make an oral appliance that fits your bite perfectly. Not only does this make it more comfortable, but it also reduces the risk of any negative side effects.
Do You Need a Nightguard in Towson, MD?
It’s not always easy to notice the symptoms of clenching or grinding our teeth at night. But your dentist will be able to see early signs of damage caused by them. During your check-up, your dentist may suggest getting a nightguard. Custom nightguards in Towson, MD, could help protect your teeth at night and provide better sleep. At Dental Excellence, we can create a custom nightguard that will fit your bite and reduce the risk of dental damage. If you think a nightguard is right for you, give us a call at (410) 514-6553 to schedule an appointment.