If you frequently wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache or tooth pain, you may want to ask a qualified dental professional if you are suffering from a condition called bruxism or teeth grinding. There are several ways to alleviate the effects of bruxism. One of the most common, which your dentist may recommend, is a night guard. A nightguard, also known as a mouth guard or dental split, is a device made of plastic that covers all or part of the teeth.
Now, how do you know if you suffer from sleep apnea or if you grind your teeth while sleeping?
Here are some of the symptoms of sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring
- Episodes where you stop breathing during sleep, due to which you gasp for air during sleep
- Waking up with dry mouth
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia, i.e. difficulty staying asleep
- Hypersomnia, i.e. excessive sleepiness during daytime
- Difficulty paying attention while awake
- Irritability
Some of the symptoms of night time teeth grinding habit include:
- Flattened, fractured, chipped or loose teeth
- Worn tooth enamel, which can expose the inner layers of your teeth causing tooth sensitivity, which, if not addressed leads to tooth pain
- Tired or tight jaw muscles, or a locked jaw that will not open or close all the way. Your jaw may pop and click
- Jaw, neck or face pain or soreness
- Enlargement of the jaw muscles
- Pain that feels like an ear ache, though it is not really a problem with your ear
- Dull headache starting at your temples — the sides of your head between your forehead and ears
- Sleep problems
One simple solution to consider in both the cases is a Night Guard!!
Night Guard is a specially designed mouthguard, that can help protect your teeth and guard against the many health issues caused by sleep apnea while also reducing snoring that may be causing distress to those you live with.
Here are few of the benefits of Night Guards:
- Protect your teeth
- Prevent head, neck and jaw pain
- Protecting the temporomandibular joint
- Treating sleep apnea
Remember to rinse the night guard well with water before and after use and store dry in the container provided. Clean it with soap and warm water ONLY. The night guard should be worn all night, and the patient may start by wearing it a few hours each day and gradually work up to wearing it a full night.
So, if you are facing either of the above-mentioned issues, book an appointment with us today, and we shall formulate the correct treatment plan for you😊
