If you’re one of the many people who grind their teeth at night, your dentist may have suggested wearing a night guard. The device is placed in your mouth and protects your teeth and gums against injury. Below are a few benefits of wearing night guards.

4 Reasons to Wear a Night Guard

1. Protect Teeth From Wear & Tear

Grinding down on your teeth night after night can wear down the enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to chips, cracks, and damaged fillings. By wearing a night guard, you can avoid damaging your teeth and requiring additional trips to the dentist in the future.

2. Prevent Jaw Pain

If you clench down your teeth while you sleep, it could also put a lot of pressure on your jaw. You may experience jaw pain and muscle tension and have trouble eating and speaking. A night guard could reduce stress on your jaw muscles and help you feel better.

3. Improve Sleep

When you’re dealing with jaw pain from bruxism, you may have trouble falling and staying asleep. You may wake up groggy and have little energy throughout the day. A night guard can encourage muscle relaxation in your jaw and help you achieve a better night’s rest.

4. Alleviate Headaches

Headaches are another common consequence of teeth grinding. When you have a headache or a migraine, you may have difficulty completing your everyday tasks. Once you wear a night guard, you may start experiencing less frequent headaches.

If you’re interested in getting a custom night guard, turn to Dr. Deborah L. Shafer DDS, MS. Dr. Shafer and her staff have been providing a wide range of orthodontic treatments to patients of all ages for over 25 years. She can provide patients with bruxism with custom mouthguards to alleviate pain and prevent damage. These professionals are committed to providing quality and efficient service and treat all their patients like family.  If you would like to learn more information about their services, call (585) 728-3830 or visit their website.