A night guard is an oral appliance that covers your teeth and gums. It is designed to prevent dental health issues such as teeth grinding or jaw clenching. It fits over your teeth and protects them from any damage. As the name suggests, night guards are typically worn during the night, while you sleep. It is often called a mouth shield or mouth guard too. Here are four ways in which wearing a night guard can benefit you.

• Protecting your teeth from damage

If you unconsciously grind your teeth during your sleep, a night guard can make sure the protective enamel on your teeth isn’t worn down or eroded. Without the enamel on your teeth, the pulp of blood vessels and nerves would be exposed, which would likely cause immense pain. Grinding and clenching your jaw may cause severe damage to your teeth, and this involuntary behavior can even lead to the loss of a single tooth or multiple teeth. Other problems grinding can cause include unsightly chipping of the teeth, damage to fillings or crowns, and overall wear on the teeth. A night guard can help prevent all that damage.

• Keeping your porcelain restorations in good condition

Wearing a nightguard will protect your porcelain veneers, bridges and crowns from any damage. This will keep your smile looking beautiful for longer and also prevent the need for frequent replacement of your restorations. By preventing any damages or wearing of the teeth, night guards protect and maintain the aesthetics of your smile.

• Providing relief to those suffering from bruxism

Bruxism refers to a habit of excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Many people have the habit of regularly grinding their teeth, mostly during their sleep. Severe grinding of teeth can even lead to misalignment of the teeth. The pressure exerted on the teeth during grinding is not good for the teeth and gums. It can also cause severe headaches.

Wearing a night guard can provide relief from bruxism. When someone with bruxism uses a nightguard, the primary goal is to decrease the force and destruction of the clenching and grinding. Because of this, it’s important to get a high-quality mouthguard from a dentist near you.

• Helping your partner sleep better

Nightguard holds your jaw in an optimal position and promotes muscle relaxation. This can help in improving your quality of sleep. Also, the night guard is designed to keep your jaw slightly apart. This improved your breathing and controls snoring. When snoring is reduced and there is no teeth grinding noise, your partner will be able to sleep better.

Why Should You Opt for a Custom Night Guard?

There are many over-the-counter options available today when it comes to night guards. But the most important thing about wearing a nightguard is its fit. When using an over-the-counter night guard, it is very difficult to ensure that it will fit perfectly. Also, these are often bulky and extremely soft, which does not control your bite properly. Chewing the guard can actually worsen your condition.

The best and safest way to assure that your night guard fits perfectly is to get it custom-made from a dentist near you in Lombard, IL. Your dentist will also make any adjustments needed to ensure that the guard fits perfectly. The perfect night guard will achieve the right bite and protect your teeth and muscles well.

If you feel any pain in your jaw or headaches when you wake up in the morning, you should consider a night guard in Lombard, IL. At Sanders Family Dental, our team offers custom night guards to protect your teeth and keep your smile healthy and beautiful.