Have you ever woken up with a sore jaw or noticed that your teeth look a little more worn down than usual? You might be grinding your teeth at night without even realizing it. This common habit, known as bruxism, affects both kids and adults and can lead to real problems like chipped teeth, worn enamel, and even pain in your jaw. Thankfully, there’s a simple and effective solution: night guards.
At Riverside Dental in Watertown, WI, our team sees many patients with nighttime grinding issues. Sometimes the grinding is caused by stress. Other times, it happens during growth spurts in children or due to changes in bite or alignment. Regardless of the cause, our goal is to protect your smile from further damage and help you feel better each morning.
What is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a custom-made mouthpiece that fits snugly over your teeth while you sleep. It acts as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth so they can’t grind against each other. This not only helps prevent damage like cracks or chips but also helps reduce tension in the jaw muscles.
Our dental team creates night guards that are designed just for your mouth. Unlike store-bought options that can feel bulky or uncomfortable, custom guards are made to fit comfortably and securely. Many of our patients at Riverside Dental say they quickly forget they’re even wearing one!
Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?
People grind their teeth for several reasons. For kids, it may be part of growing up and usually stops over time. For adults, it’s often linked to stress, anxiety, or even sleep disorders. Sometimes, your bite being slightly off can trigger grinding. Whatever the cause, night guards can step in to stop the damage before it becomes serious.
When tooth grinding goes untreated, it can lead to:
- Flattened or chipped teeth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Pain in the jaw or face
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Damage to dental work like crowns or fillings
Wearing night guards protects your teeth while giving your jaw muscles a much-needed break.
How Night Guards Help Break the Habit
One of the most surprising benefits of night guards is that they can help stop the habit altogether. Wearing one every night trains your brain to stop clenching and grinding while you sleep. Over time, many patients find they no longer need their night guard as much because the behavior fades.
For patients dealing with ongoing stress or anxiety, night guards may be just one part of a larger plan that includes relaxation techniques or therapy. But by addressing the physical side of the issue, we’re helping you feel better now while working on long-term solutions.
Comfort and Peace of Mind
Some people worry that a night guard will be uncomfortable or make it hard to sleep. That’s understandable! But with a custom-fit design from Riverside Dental, most of our patients adjust quickly. The materials we use are soft yet strong, and the shape fits your mouth perfectly. You can sleep soundly knowing your teeth are safe.
Nighttime teeth grinding doesn’t just affect your teeth. It impacts how you feel during the day too. Many people report better sleep, fewer headaches, and less jaw pain after they start using their night guards.
Are Night Guards Right for You?
If you or your child wake up with sore teeth or jaws, or your dentist has noticed wear and tear on your teeth, it’s time to consider a night guard. A quick visit to Riverside Dental can give you the answers you need. We’ll take impressions of your teeth and create a night guard that fits perfectly.
There’s no need to wait until your teeth show serious damage. Early action with night guards can prevent bigger problems and keep your smile strong for years to come.
What Makes Riverside Dental Different
At Riverside Dental, we treat our patients like family. We take time to listen, understand your concerns, and create solutions that work for your lifestyle. We’re proud to serve the Watertown, WI community with expert care in a friendly environment.
Whether it’s your first time hearing about night guards or you’ve been putting off getting one, our team is here to help. From explaining how it works to making sure it fits just right, we’re with you every step of the way.
Contact Us Today
Protect your smile and stop grinding your teeth for good. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about how a custom night guard can help you or your child sleep better and live more comfortably.
Call Riverside Dental at (920) 262-2176. We’re here to help you smile with confidence!
