A Night Guard Can Protect Your Smile While You Sleep

Woman holding a pillow. Caption: DPB night guards help you get better sleep

IF YOU WAKE UP with headaches or jaw pain, you may be grinding your teeth while you sleep. Grinding your teeth (also known as bruxism) not only causes damage to your smile, but it can also lead to neck and facial pain and loss of sleep.

At Dental Partners of Boston, we can fit you with a custom night guard that can help protect your smile and your rest.

Bruxism Affects A Lot of People

Because stress is one of the main reasons people grind their teeth, bruxism is fairly common. Some sources estimate that nearly 20% of adults suffer the negative effects of grinding and clenching their teeth.

Reasons To Use A Nightguard

Using a mouth guard or dental night guard while sleeping can offer several benefits:

  • Teeth Protection: Mouth guards protect teeth from damage caused by grinding or clenching, which is known as bruxism. This habit can lead to worn-down enamel, cracked teeth, and other dental problems.
  • Prevention of Jaw Pain: Bruxism can also lead to jaw pain, headaches, and muscle soreness. A mouth guard helps to cushion the teeth and reduce the pressure on the jaw joint, alleviating these symptoms.
  • Reduction of Snoring: Some mouth guards are designed to position the jaw in a way that keeps the airway open, reducing snoring and potentially improving sleep quality for both the wearer and their partner.
  • Treatment of Sleep Apnea: For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances, which are a type of mouth guard, can be effective in keeping the airway open during sleep by repositioning the lower jaw or tongue.
  • Comfort and Relaxation: Mouth guards can create a physical barrier between the upper and lower teeth, promoting relaxation of the jaw muscles and potentially reducing overall stress levels during sleep.
  • Protection During Physical Activities: Mouth guards aren’t just for sleep; they’re also commonly used in contact sports to protect the teeth and mouth from injury during impact or collisions.

Using a mouth guard while sleeping can help protect your dental health, alleviate discomfort, and improve sleep quality in various ways.

Contact Us To Learn More

To find out how your team at Dental Partners of Boston can help protect your smile while you sleep, give us a call. We’ll schedule an appointment to discuss your teeth-grinding habits and fit you with a protective night guard.

Thanks for being one of our valued patients!

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