24
Dec
5 Smart Reasons to Consider a Bruxism Night Guard
Bruxism, aka teeth grinding, is so common that people often don’t realize the impact it can have on their teeth. Left untreated, nighttime bruxism can, over time, lead to an array of dental issues that put your oral health at risk. Fortunately, you can protect your smile from the damaging impact of persistent teeth grinding by wearing a bruxism night guard. Your Augusta, Georgia dentist from Westmoreland Family Dentistry can customize a night guard for your use.
Here are five smart reasons to consider a night guard for managing chronic bruxism issues:
1. Avoid Tooth Damage
Teeth grinding isn’t something that should be taken lightly. The consistent force exerted by bruxism can weaken your tooth enamel, making your teeth more prone to damage and decay. Night guards protect your smile from the damaging effects of teeth grinding by creating a barrier that keeps your upper and lower teeth from meeting while you sleep. They offer a simple solution to safeguard your teeth from bruxism and preserve the integrity of your smile.
2. Relieve Jaw Tension & Pain
People who grind their teeth at night often clench their jaw as well, which can lead to tense jaw muscles and pain. In some cases, problems with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) can be traced back to unrestrained teeth grinding. Nighttime bruxism can result in jaw soreness, tenderness, and pain the next day. A custom night guard will control teeth grinding to relieve these symptoms and prevent problems with TMDs.
3. Prevent Gum Recession
Gum recession is another oral health risk of excessive teeth grinding. Bruxism puts pressure on both your teeth and gums, which can cause gum tissues to recede over time. This can leave the roots of your teeth exposed to bacterial infection and decay. You also run the risk of increased tooth sensitivity, which will impact what you eat. These problems can be avoided by using a nightguard when you sleep.
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4. Protect Dental Work
Uncontrolled teeth grinding can damage dental restorations like crowns and fillings or cause them to wear down before their time. This puts your oral health at risk as you won’t have full protection against decay and gum disease. A night guard will protect your dental work., so you get full value from its use.
5. Improve Sleep
Bruxism can disrupt your sleep by causing you to wake up frequently during the night or keep you from entering into deep sleep. Poor quality sleep can impair your performance the next day. If you’re not sleeping well due to bruxism, consider a night guard to help you get the rest you need. Chances are you’ll sleep more soundly and feel more refreshed and energized during the day.
Mouth Guards for Teeth Grinding Near Me
You can learn more about night guards, their benefits, and uses at Westmoreland Family Dentistry in Augusta, GA. To have a night guard customized for your use, contact Dr. W. Palmer Westmoreland at (706) 535-2300.
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Dr. W. Palmer Westmoreland – Dentist
With over 22 years of experience, Dr. Westmoreland leads our practice with a heart for service and a passion for excellence. He earned his Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of Georgia and his Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree from Augusta University Dental College of Georgia. A proud member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Westmoreland is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. His commitment to community service is evident through his volunteer work in countries like Peru and Ecuador.
When he’s not creating confident smiles, Dr. Westmoreland enjoys spending time with his wife, Sara, and their three sons—William, Mitchell, and Philip. He’s also an avid fisherman, a devoted UGA football fan, a sci-fi and fantasy movie buff, and an active church and men’s group member.
