If you grind your teeth, you may not even realize that you do. All too often, people don’t know they have this habit, which can lead to a long list of medical issues. Fortunately, dentists can help by prescribing custom night guards. Learn more about how these devices can help provide relief below.

How Do You Know If You Need a Night Guard?

If you've ever woken up with jaw pain, chipped teeth, or oral lacerations, you may be grinding your teeth when you sleep. Nighttime teeth grinding, also called bruxism, can lead to worn tooth enamel, jaw or neck pain, dull headaches, and sleep disruptions. Sometimes, people even wake up with cuts on their tongue or the interior of their cheeks from unintentional chewing. In extreme cases, bruxism can result in enough tooth trauma to cause the teeth to loosen or fall out altogether.

How Will Mouth Guards Protect Your Teeth?

Night guards are custom, cushioned coverings that are designed to fit snugly over your teeth. These devices are worn during sleep, helping to eliminate damage by covering the sharp surfaces of the teeth. Some bruxism night guards even lock together, making it impossible to open your mouth or move your teeth from side to side, eliminating biting and grinding hazards.

If you’ve been living with any of the symptoms of nighttime teeth grinding, don’t hesitate to reach out to John D. Mainwaring, DDS in Orange, CT. This trusted dentist is committed to understanding individual patients’ dental problems and working hard to correct them, helping with everything from routine dental cleanings and fillings to the treatment of bruxism with night guards. To find out more about how he can help with your dental issues, visit his website. To schedule an appointment, give his office a call at (203) 799-6625.