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If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, you may think it’s harmless. However, it’s a condition called bruxism, which can severely damage your teeth if you don’t get it in check.
It’s not just your tooth health you need to worry about when grinding your teeth. It can also cause face and jaw pain and headaches, preventing you from getting quality sleep.
While stopping teeth grinding is easier said than done, a simple way to protect your oral health is to wear a nightguard. A nightguard covers your teeth, separating the top and bottom rows and protecting them from damage.
If you suspect or know that you grind your teeth, Nancy Horton, DMD, and our team at OneSource Dental of South Tampa in Tampa, Florida, are here to help by offering nightguards made just for you.
Here, we detail five benefits of wearing a nightguard for bruxism and why getting one from OneSource Dental of South Tampa makes all the difference.
Protect your teeth from damage
Bruxism is particularly hard on teeth, causing severe wear over time. Due to the worn-down enamel, your teeth may start to chip or crack.
Wearing a nightguard can significantly reduce the risk of damaging your teeth. It also prevents the need for more expensive dental treatments like crowns, veneers, or root canals.
Relieve jaw pain and tension
Grinding your teeth can damage your jaw. Many people with bruxism experience jaw pain, stiffness, and discomfort, especially when they wake up.
You don’t realize how much strain grinding your teeth while you sleep puts on your jaw. Wearing a nightguard provides a cushion, helping your jaw muscles relax and reducing the tension that causes pain and discomfort.
Get better sleep
Sleeping 7-9 hours a night is essential for your health and well-being, but bruxism can disrupt that. Constantly grinding and clenching your teeth through the night can cause you to wake up frequently, sleep restlessly, or even develop sleep apnea.
A nightguard can help you sleep better by reducing the frequency and intensity of your grinding. With a nightguard in place, you’re more likely to sleep deeper and wake up in a great mood with high energy.
Prevent headaches
Frequent headaches are a common symptom of bruxism. They are caused by the tension and strain on your head and neck muscles when you grind your teeth. These headaches can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating migraines.
Wearing a nightguard makes you less likely to experience the strain that triggers headaches. This nifty dental wonder can be a lifesaver if you get chronic headaches from bruxism.
Save cost long-term
Getting a nightguard is a long-term cost-saving investment. Without one, the damage caused by bruxism can cause you to need extensive dental work, which can be expensive.
By protecting your teeth from damage and other complications linked with bruxism, a nightguard saves you money in the long run. You’ll be less likely to require expensive dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, or veneers.
As harmless as it may seem, bruxism can lead to serious dental and health issues if left untreated. Wearing a nightguard is a simple and effective solution to relieve the symptoms of bruxism and prevent further damage.
At OneSource Dental of South Tampa, our team creates custom nightguards for you and your needs. Book an appointment with us or call 813-879-9299 to get one as soon as possible.