4 Signs You Need a Night Guard for Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding or bruxism is a condition that affects about eight percent of adults. The condition can cause serious problems, ranging from headaches to jaw pain and other dental issues. For some adults, teeth grinding is a lifelong habit that is more of an annoyance than a serious problem. 

If you wake up with morning headaches or jaw pain, it may be time to consider getting professional help. Your dentist can recommend a mouth guard to help with the problem. Following are signs that you need to wear a night guard to prevent teeth grinding.

You Have TMJ Disorder

A sign that you may need to wear a mouth guard is you wake up with a sore jaw or teeth pain. People with temporomandibular joint disorder can benefit from wearing a mouth guard at night. Grinding the teeth or clenching your jaw while you sleep causes the muscles to become inflamed. 

When you wake up, the jaw will feel sore, a condition that can make it difficult to chew or even talk. Some people experience a popping or clicking sound when moving the jaw. This is a common symptom of TMJ disorder and a sign that you need a night guard. 

Waking Up With Headaches

A headache can be a symptom of different health conditions. When they occur regularly every morning, headaches can be a sign of bruxism. If you are grinding your teeth while you sleep, the pressure to the jaw can cause headaches. 

The severity of the headache will depend on how vigorous the grinding is. The headaches usually occur on the center, sides, and back of the head. Wearing a night guard can help reduce the occurrence of headaches.

You Have Visible Dental Wear

Grinding the teeth can cause the tooth surface to wear down. Depending on how long the grinding has gone on, many people end up experiencing dental problems. The pressure on the teeth affects the tooth enamel. 

The tooth surface is eroded gradually, resulting in visible signs such as teeth appearing shorter and visible cracks. Some people end up with molars that have flattened tops. A chipped tooth can also be due to severe grinding. 

You Are Keeping Others Awake

If your partner has told you that you grind your teeth while you sleep, you may need a night guard. Many people do not realize that they grind their teeth because it happens while they sleep. Your partner or someone in the room may hear sounds that indicate you have bruxism. Some people grind their teeth periodically when they are stressed. 

Medication Side Effects

If you have been taking antidepressants, you need to talk to a dentist about wearing a mouth guard. Studies have shown that ingredients in some of the medication can cause teeth grinding. If you experience this side effect, you can talk to your doctor about switching medication or adjusting the dosage. 

If you know or you have just realized that you grind your teeth, visit your dentist. Understanding your symptoms will allow the dentist to come up with the best treatment solution. A mouth guard may not stop you from grinding, but it will help reduce the effects on the teeth and jaw. The severity of your bruxism will determine the best treatment option.

For more on needing a night guard for teeth grinding, visit John K. See, DDS, at our office in Camarillo, California. You can call (805) 920-8600 today to schedule an appointment.