Many of us understand the primary function of night guards as protective shields for our teeth against the grinding and clenching that occurs during sleep, a condition known as bruxism. 

However, the benefits of custom night guards extend far beyond mere teeth protection. These dental tools have a broader impact on our overall well-being and in some surprising ways.

Here, we discuss how custom night guards contribute to a healthier you:

Prevention of tooth wear and tear

Traditional wisdom: Night guards provide a cushion between the upper and lower teeth, thus reducing the risks of wear and tear caused by grinding. This is their primary function.

Beyond teeth: By preventing wear and tear, they also decrease the risk of tooth sensitivity. Exposed dentin can make your teeth vulnerable to hot and cold temperatures, resulting in discomfort.

Reducing the risk of TMJ disorders

Traditional wisdom: Teeth grinding can strain the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to various disorders.

Beyond teeth: TMJ disorders can cause pain in the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement. The pain might not stay localized to the jaw; it can extend to the neck and shoulders. Using a night guard relieves strain, potentially reducing associated headaches and upper body pain.

Improving the quality of sleep

Traditional wisdom: By curbing the effects of grinding, night guards make sleep more comfortable for those with bruxism.

Beyond teeth: Sleep is crucial for mental health and cognitive function. When one experiences less pain and discomfort during sleep can lead to deeper, more restful sleep cycles. A night guard can indirectly contribute to improved memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function by improving sleep quality.

Prevention of costly dental procedures

Traditional wisdom: Night guards prevent damage that might require dental intervention in the future.

Beyond teeth: Dental procedures can be costly in terms of money and time. By reducing the need for interventions such as fillings, crowns, or even root canals, you save money and reduce potential stress and anxiety associated with dental treatments.

Enhancing emotional well-being

Traditional wisdom: Night guards reduce pain and discomfort from bruxism.

Beyond teeth: Chronic pain, even if it’s a dull ache in the jaw, can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and even depression. By providing a buffer against this, night guards can contribute to better emotional well-being.

Reducing morning fatigue

Traditional wisdom: Less nighttime disturbance due to pain means better sleep.

Beyond teeth: By reducing the disturbances in sleep patterns caused by bruxism, custom night guards can decrease morning fatigue, letting you start your day with more energy and vitality.

Avoiding secondary sleep disruptions

Traditional wisdom: Bruxism can cause awakening during the night.

Beyond teeth: When teeth grinding is severe, it might disturb the individual and their partner. Using a night guard can prevent these disturbances, ensuring both individuals can sleep peacefully and wake up refreshed.

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Facilitating proper bite alignment

Traditional wisdom: Night guards help keep teeth in their right position.

Beyond teeth: Proper bite alignment ensures balanced force distribution when you chew, preventing undue strain on specific teeth and the jaw. Over time, this can reduce the chances of developing bite-related problems.

Reducing earaches and ringing

Traditional wisdom: Teeth grinding affects the jaw and teeth.

Beyond teeth: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is close to the ears. An issue with the TMJ due to grinding can lead to referred pain in the ears or even tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Night guards can help prevent these ear-related symptoms.

Enhancing facial appearance

Traditional wisdom: Night guards protect teeth.

Beyond teeth: Chronic grinding can change facial appearance, with some people developing a more squared jawline due to hypertrophy of masseter muscles. By mitigating the grinding, night guards can help maintain the face’s natural contour.

Prevention of gum recession

Traditional wisdom: Teeth grinding primarily affects teeth.

Beyond teeth: Constant grinding can lead to gum recession, exposing the roots of the teeth, leading to increased sensitivity and vulnerability to gum disease. Wearing a night guard reduces the pressure on the gums, potentially preventing gum recession.

Custom night guards offer a plethora of benefits beyond the realm of dental health. While they serve the critical role of protecting teeth from the harmful effects of grinding, their positive influence seeps into various aspects of our overall well-being. From enhancing sleep quality to promoting emotional health, the benefits of this simple dental tool are manifold and impressive.

If you believe you suffer from bruxism or are experiencing any of its associated symptoms, it’s worth discussing the potential of a custom night guard with your family. The protection and peace it offers may just pave the way for improved well-being in ways you hadn’t imagined.

Buy night teeth guards from Clear Comfort Night Guards

Clear Comfort Night Guards is a dental lab in California that has been helping dentists for several years now. Their positive feedback and happy dentists encouraged them to grow their business and serve more people by fabricating clear custom night guard with the same process and quality materials.

Visit their website for more information on their night guard for jaw pain!

About the Author

Beverly G. Michel is a seasoned dental health writer with over a decade of experience in the field. Holding a master’s in dental public health, Beverly combines her academic knowledge with practical insights from her years working alongside renowned dentists. Passionate about promoting oral health as a cornerstone of overall well-being, she has been featured in leading dental journals and health magazines. When not writing, Beverly enjoys hiking and experimenting with vegan culinary delights. Through her blogs, Beverly hopes to demystify dental health and inspire readers to prioritize their smiles both for aesthetics and holistic health.