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There could be a number of reasons why your dentist is recommending that you use a night guard when you go to sleep. Here are a few reasons that you should use a night guard.
Prevent Tooth Damage
Night guards help ensure that the top and bottom teeth don’t touch each other while you sleep. Teeth grinding (bruxism) is incredibly common; it’s currently estimated to effect about 20 percent of Americans.
In most cases, most people don’t even realize that they grind their teeth since it occurs while they are sleeping. Grinding can cause teeth to lose enamel, making them weak and sensitive over time. It can also cause fillings or other restorative work to become damaged. To save yourself more time in the dental chair, you can prevent taking preventative steps by wearing a nightguard when you sleep.
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Preventing Headaches
Grinding and clenching can also cause headaches. If you’ve been waking up with unexplained headaches, there is a good chance you are clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth while you sleep without even knowing it. This can also lead to tension and pain in the jaw. A night guard helps protect your teeth while you sleep.
Prevent Snoring
If you sleep with a clenched jaw, you may be unknowingly creating breathing problems. Because night guards keep your top and bottom jaw from touching, they increase the amount of air you are able to breathe in while you are sleeping. Wearing a night guard can also be beneficial for patients with sleep apnea.
Prevent a Change in Your Bite
If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw when you are sleeping, odds are that you could potentially be altering the position of your teeth over time. Wearing a custom-fit night guard can help control this, as they help eliminate pressure on the teeth.
Saves You Money
Damages caused by teeth grinding and jaw clenching can be costly. As the years go by, these damages will just continue to worsen if not properly intercepted. It would be in your best interest to invest in a night guard once to save yourself money and hours in the dental chair.
Robstown Smiles is here to provide the treatment you need. For more information about dental night guards – or to schedule an appointment in our Robstown, Texas dental office – give us a call anytime at 361-933-0124.