Everyone experiences some level of stress in their life, but if you cope with it by clenching or grinding your teeth, you may be putting your smile at risk. This habit can increase your chances of developing cavities, tooth infections, and alignment issues. Dr. John Rodriquez and his team at Timeless Dental in The Woodlands, Texas, can create a custom night guard to protect your smile while you sleep. Call us at 281-681-3300 to schedule an appointment.
A night guard is a specialized mouth guard designed to treat bruxism — teeth grinding and clenching. If Dr. Rodriquez or our team suspects you suffer from bruxism, we may recommend a night guard to prevent further damage to your teeth. Many people are unaware they grind their teeth at night since it typically happens while they sleep. Common signs of nighttime teeth grinding and clenching include:
- Chronic jaw, facial, or ear pain
- Waking up with a tight or tired feeling in the jaw
- Frequent tension headaches or migraines
- Excessive tooth wear, including chipped, flattened, cracked, or very worn teeth
- Severely worn tooth enamel, exposing the inner layers of the tooth
- Indentations on the side of the tongue
- Increased tooth sensitivity
If you recognize these signs of bruxism, you may benefit from a custom night guard. Designed to fit comfortably and protect your teeth, a night guard will allow you to sleep peacefully while preventing further damage. To learn more about night guards and how they can protect your smile, contact us today. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your teeth and overall oral health.