Nightguards: Protecting Your Smile While You Sleep

Nightguards, also known as occlusal splints, are custom-made oral appliances crafted from soft plastic or rubber. They are designed to fit comfortably over your upper or lower teeth, preventing direct contact between your teeth. This protective barrier helps to minimize tooth wear and absorb the forces of clenching and grinding, alleviating potential jaw pain and headaches associated with bruxism. While mild teeth clenching may not always require treatment, especially if it doesn’t cause symptoms like headaches or jaw discomfort, more severe cases of bruxism often benefit from a custom-fitted nightguard provided by your dentist.

It’s important to note that some individuals may unconsciously clench their teeth while awake. Once this habit is identified, you can consciously work to break it, especially during waking hours, as wearing a nightguard during the day is not practical for most. Try to consciously relax your facial and jaw muscles. When your jaw is relaxed, your lips should be closed, but your teeth should not be touching. Setting reminders at home, at work, or on your phone can help you check if you are clenching.

If you suspect you may be grinding or clenching your teeth during sleep, please inform us. We can assess you for signs and symptoms. Even if you don’t experience pain or discomfort, our dentists and hygienists can often detect bruxism based on the condition of your teeth and mouth. Remember, prevention is key to maintaining optimal oral health.

MyDentist is committed to providing comprehensive dental care, including custom nightguards for bruxism management. Our experienced team at both our Middlefield and Pharmacy locations is dedicated to your comfort and oral health.