A night guard, also called an occlusal guard, is an oral appliance you wear over your teeth while you sleep.  The night guard works by forming a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Some people report less frequent headaches and less problems with their jaw joints, head, and neck muscles.

Dental night guards are often the treatment of choice for patients who have a history of grinding their teeth while they sleep.  Also known as bruxism, tooth grinding typically occurs at night when patients have no way of knowing they even do it.  Chronic bruxism can lead to several problems with teeth and even the jaw.  If left untreated, bruxism can cause broken, chipped, or cracked teeth, headaches, and TMJ/TMD. Bruxism can be treated and should be done so early to avoid future problems.

What Types of Night Guards Are Available?

There are two types of night guards: professional, custom-made and over-the-counter, boil and bite.  While the night guards found at drugstores can work to reduce tooth grinding, there are several benefits to choosing a custom night guard made by one our Lady’s Island dentists.  To begin, custom-made night guards use detailed molds of your teeth, making them a more comfortable choice.  Your dentist will also consider the alignment of your jaw during the fitting process to ensure your night guard won’t place unnecessary stress on the joint which could lead to other problems.  Lastly, while a store-bought night guard may seem attractive at first due to the lower cost, custom-made night guards usually last up to 10 years, making them a more cost-efficient option in the long run.

Are There Other Treatment Options?

Night guards may be the most common treatment method to stop tooth grinding, but it certainly isn’t the only option.  Other recommended treatments may include methods of stress reduction, limiting the intake of caffeine or medication with stimulants, or perhaps orthodontics to straighten teeth and realign the jaw.  At Lowcountry Family Dentistry we offer Invisalign and Six Month Smiles clear aligners.

Signs of Bruxism

While one of our dentist is the best person to diagnose bruxism, there are several signs you should keep a lookout for in between visits including:

  • Flat or chipped teeth
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Waking up with sore jaw muscles
  • Neck or facial pain

If you happen to notice any of these signs and suspect you may be grinding your teeth, we welcome you to give our Lady’s Island dental office call at (843) 986-0177 or schedule an online appointment.  We’ll perform a thorough evaluation in our relaxing office to determine if bruxism is the root of what you’re experiencing.  If it is we’ll talk with you about your treatment options and work together to decide which one may be best for you.