Do you grind your teeth? Some people do this consciously during the day, but it’s actually a larger problem at night while you’re asleep. Grinding your teeth (also called bruxism) can damage enamel, wear down teeth, cause jaw pain, or irritate your gums. What’s more, the noise from teeth grinding can also disturb your spouse’s sleep if loud enough.

If you suspect that you grind your teeth often, you should consider a night guard. The night guard, which is very similar to a mouth guard worn by athletes, provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. All night guards are custom-fitted for comfort and to allow for proper breathing. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and have the night guard created by a dental lab. Night guards are very durable and can be used for up to 10 years. They’re pretty comfortable too!

There are also other things that you can do to try to stop teeth grinding. You can train your jaw to be free and easy rather than clenched. Refrain from chewing gum or on other objects like pens. You should also avoid alcoholic and overly-caffeinated drinks, as these can increase the likelihood you will grind your teeth. But beyond this, a night guard is a great option for many teeth grinders.

If you think you grind your teeth—or you’re not sure—come and set up an appointment with us today. We can examine the enamel of your teeth as well as your habits to determine if a night guard might improve your oral health.