How a Mouthguard Can Help Fight Nighttime Teeth-Grinding

Did you know that approximately 10-15% of adults unknowingly grind their teeth at night? Millions of individuals unintentionally subject their teeth to a late-night wrestling match after drifting off to sleep.

If you're one of them—or suspect you might be—we're here to help save your dental health and your peaceful slumber. Below, we discuss how mouthguards can transform your nights from gruelling grinds to peaceful dreams.

Understanding the Silent Culprit: Bruxism

Imagine your teeth as strong, resilient soldiers protecting your oral health. Now, picture them clashing together with excessive force while you're fast asleep.

This situation is the reality for individuals suffering from bruxism, a common sleep disorder that often goes unnoticed until its symptoms become impossible to ignore. Teeth grinding, caused by stress, misaligned teeth, or even sleep disorders, exerts immense pressure on your teeth and jaw. Grinding your teeth at night can lead to worn enamel, chipped teeth, and jaw pain.

How a Mouthguard Can Help

Enter the unsung hero of peaceful sleep: the mouthguard. This unassuming dental device has garnered attention for its ability to protect teeth, alleviate discomfort, and improve overall sleep quality. Here's how it works and why you should consider making it your nightly companion.

Step 1: Prevention Through Protection

Imagine driving a car without seatbelts—it's a risky endeavour. Similarly, neglecting to protect your teeth from the grinding forces of bruxism can result in dental nightmares.

A custom-fitted mouthguard creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, effectively absorbing the impact of grinding and clenching. This preventive measure not only safeguards your teeth but also prevents the need for extensive dental treatments down the line. Like a well-fitted helmet is essential for bike safety, a custom mouthguard is tailored to your unique dental structure, offering optimal protection.

Step 2: Alleviating Discomfort and Pain

Waking up with aching jaws is no way to start your day. Fortunately, a mouthguard can provide relief from the discomfort caused by bruxism.

The mouthguard reduces the intensity of teeth grinding, which eases jaw tension and soreness by creating a cushioning layer between your teeth. Think of the mouthguard as a pillow for your teeth, providing comfort and support where it's needed most.

Step 3: Enhancing Sleep Quality

Quality sleep is essential for a productive and energised day ahead. But even with sleeping in the best bedroom setup, bruxism can still disrupt your sleep cycle, leaving you fatigued and irritable. Just as a noise-cancelling headset enhances your listening experience, a mouthguard enhances your sleep experience by silencing the disruptive sounds of teeth grinding. The noisy teeth-grinding sounds can wake you and your partner, but with mouthguards, say hello to waking up feeling refreshed.

Types of Mouthguards

Now, if you're interested in protecting your teeth or dentures, here are the types of mouthguards you can choose from:

• Over the Counter (OTC) Mouthguards: These are readily available at your local pharmacy or online. While they offer some protection, they are usually generic and might not provide the best fit. Imagine wearing shoes that don't match your size – uncomfortable, right?
• Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: A step up from OTC options, these mouthguards soften in hot water and mould to your unique bite pattern. While they offer a better fit, they might not provide the optimal level of protection and comfort.
• Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: Now, we're talking premium protection. Dental professionals craft custom-fitted mouthguards to match your teeth and bite perfectly. They ensure maximum comfort, minimal interference with breathing, and superior protection against nighttime grinding. Visit your dental or denture clinic for more info.

Don't let the quiet battles in your mouth disturb the tranquillity of your nights. Embrace the power of the mouthguard, get that dental or denture services, and wake up to a brighter, pain-free morning.