Preventative dental care: The power of night guards

A lot of people don’t understand that the reason they’re waking up with a sore jaw, a headache or sensitive teeth is because they’ve unwittingly been grinding or clenching their teeth while they’ve been asleep — a disorder called bruxism. Not treated, bruxism may cause cracked teeth, a receding gum line, or worsen issues related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). And that’s where night guards become vital. For anyone numb yet experiencing grinding symptoms or jaw tightness, custom-made night guards in Ottawa are the trusted and dentist’s dentist-approved solution.

In contrast to online or over-the-counter generic options, when you opt for professionally fitted night guards in Ottawa, you are getting a customized fit to your bite. This customization provides added comfort, longer wear and longer shelf-life. These guards are made by dentists from exact, personalized molds that are made to fit tightly in place and stay firmly in place all night long, which is critical if you have moderate to severe bruxism in your sleep.

Night guards create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, effectively helping to save your teeth from the unnecessary wear and tear due to grinding without you even knowing it. Not only will they protect your enamel, they also aid in relaxing jaw muscles and eliminating tension that leads to morning soreness. Some patients even claim they start sleeping better after they start wearing a well-fitting device.

There’s another reason why dentists recommend night guards in Ottawa as the best option for everyone, and it is their longevity. Over-the-counter versions are typically fabricated with thinner, less durable materials that could wear out faster, particularly in those with more aggressive teeth grinding. With care and check-ups, a dental-grade night guard can last for a few years.

Wearing a night guard doesn’t just save your teeth — it can also keep you out of the dental chair in the future. This amount can be double or even triple compared to other forms of teeth grinding and can lead to crowns, fillings and in severe cases, root canals. When treated early, patients can avoid both time and money wasted to safeguard their long-term oral health.

If you think you're grinding your teeth while you sleep, see your dentist for an evaluation. They can inspect wear on your teeth, question whether you have symptoms and establish whether you’re a candidate for a custom guard. In some cases, night guards are also used in combination with other TMJ treatments or sleep apnea therapies.

The placement of night guards in your oral care regimen is an easy, proactive step that can pay off greatly in the long run. Whether jaw tension concerns you or you are simply looking to keep your smile protected from silent aggressors, custom night guards in Ottawa may be a smart investment in your dental health.

Kevin Strauss is the author of this article. To know more about Dental Implants in Ottawa, please visit our website: smilehealth.ca.