Learn 5 Reasons to Wear a Dental Night Guard

Avoiding Persistent Headaches

Since TMJ dysfunction expresses itself through migraines, chronic neck aches and headaches are frequently the first indicators of probable bruxism. Headaches are caused by strained muscles in the neck, shoulders, mouth, and jaw.

But, before you jump to the conclusion that you have bruxism, make sure that your headaches are caused by teeth grinding and clenching. One method is to examine the surface of the teeth; if they have flattened instead of being pointed, you most likely grind your teeth in your sleep.

Another method is to examine for gum and bone recession, which can occur as a result of clenching. A custom-made nightguard prevents headaches by removing the need to tension the muscles.

It saves money.

A one-size-fits-all nightguard costs $20 but is not advised due to discomfort. A custom-made dental nightguard can cost around $800, which can be prohibitively expensive for most bruxism patients. But, the cost should not prevent you from purchasing a nightguard.

When the expense of a nightguard is compared to the cost of restorative dentistry, the former is less expensive. Restorative dentistry will be the sole option for your dental problems if your teeth have worn out and fractured. Fillings, crowns, tooth loss (which can be replaced with implants), and bite correction are all expensive.

Seek Expert Assistance

It is difficult to know if your headaches, tooth sensitivity, or TMJ are caused by teeth grinding and clenching in your sleep unless you see a specialist who can diagnose you with bruxism. Furthermore, dentists prescribe a custom-made nightguard, which can only be obtained with the assistance of an oral hygiene specialist.