5 Important Benefits of a Night Guard

A night guard is a bit like having all-night security for your mouth, increasing safety and emotional ease while you sleep. The customized devices treat common dental issues, such as bruxism, the clinical term for teeth grinding. 

Our expert team at Swinney Dental in Tyler, Texas, offers customized night guards for enhanced health and well-being.

Here’s a look at five important benefits of this minimally invasive treatment. 

1. Less wear-and-tear from teeth grinding

As many as 50% of young children, 15% of teens, and 8% of adults grind their teeth at night. If you’re among them, wearing a night guard can protect your teeth from wear-and-tear. 

That’s important, given that bruxism can damage the hard and soft tissues in your mouth, raising the risk for cracks, decay, discoloration, and fractures.

2. Reduced jaw pain

A night guard can help ease chronic jaw pain by reducing teeth grinding, improving jaw alignment, and easing muscle tension. 

If you have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which can stem from long-term bruxism, a night guard may alleviate your symptoms without the need for surgery. That means a reduced need for other treatments, like pain medication. 

3. Fewer headaches

Up to 80% of people with a TMJ disorder struggle with daytime headaches. Bruxism can cause similar issues. These headaches may start in your jaw or temples and radiate to your neck. 

By reducing jaw clenching and teeth grinding, a night guard can help put an end to that pain. As a result, you’ll wake up more comfortable and refreshed.

4. Better sleep quality

Speaking of feeling refreshed, wearing a night guard could make all the difference in your ability to sleep well. 

Teeth grinding and related symptoms, such as jaw pain and headaches, can interfere with restful sleep. Rather than poor or sporadic sleep, the device can help pave the way to the recommended 7-9 quality hours per night for adults.

5. No more snoring

Some night guards hold your jaw and tongue in proper positions to keep your airway open while you sleep. As your breathing improves, the soft tissues won’t vibrate together or make the rumbling sound. In other words, a night guard may help you stop snoring.

If you snore because of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, Swinney Dental offers several effective mouth guard options, including  Silent Nite®, SomnoMed®, and Respire.® Many people appreciate these less cumbersome alternatives to a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. 

To learn more about night guards or find out if you’re a good candidate, call Swinney Dental today. You can also schedule an appointment using our convenient online booking feature.