Top 6 Signs You Need a Custom Night Guard: Don't Ignore the Warning Signs

Do you wake up in the morning with unexplained jaw pain or headaches? Are your teeth becoming more sensitive or showing signs of wear? If so, you may be experiencing bruxism, a common condition characterized by teeth grinding and clenching during sleep.

Ignoring the warning signs of bruxism can lead to serious dental complications, but the good news is that a custom night guard may be the solution you need.

Here’s what you need to know about teeth-grinding warning signs and how custom night guards are an excellent choice to combat them.

Frequent Morning Jaw Pain or Soreness

One of the most common signs of bruxism is waking up with jaw pain or soreness. Grinding teeth and clenching your jaw throughout the night can strain your jaw muscles significantly, leading to discomfort and difficulty fully opening or closing your mouth.

This persistent pressure on the jaw joints can cause inflammation and irritation, making simple tasks like eating or speaking challenging and uncomfortable.

Additionally, the muscles surrounding the jaw may become tense and fatigued due to the continuous clenching motion during sleep. Addressing this jaw pain and soreness is crucial as it can affect your quality of life, affecting your ability to enjoy meals, engage in social interactions, and get a restful night's sleep.

You Experience Constant Headaches

If you find yourself experiencing persistent headaches, especially in the morning, it could be a red flag for bruxism. The excessive pressure exerted on your jaw during teeth grinding can radiate to your temples, causing tension headaches. These headaches may be a result of continuous muscle contractions and strain on the jaw joint and surrounding tissues, leading to discomfort and pain that extends to other areas of your head.

Ignoring these persistent headaches may exacerbate the pain, leading to further dental issues and compromised sleep quality. But addressing bruxism with a custom night guard can provide relief from tension headaches and contribute to improved overall oral health and well-being.

You’ll Notice Worn Down or Flattened Teeth

Examine your teeth for signs of wear. If you notice that your teeth appear flat or have become unusually sensitive, it could indicate that you are grinding them together while you sleep.

The constant friction from teeth grinding can wear down the protective enamel layer, causing your teeth to lose their natural shape and become more susceptible to sensitivity. This flattening of the teeth is a clear indication of bruxism, and if left untreated, it can lead to further dental issues, such as cracks or fractures.

Monitoring the condition of your teeth and seeking professional advice from a dentist can help identify bruxism early and guide you towards the appropriate measures, such as using a custom night guard, to protect your teeth from further damage!

You Also Have Chipped or Cracked Teeth

The force generated during teeth grinding can be incredibly powerful, potentially leading to cracked or chipped teeth. If you notice any unusual chips or fractures in your teeth, addressing the issue is essential.

Cracks and chips not only compromise the appearance of your smile but also weaken the structure of the affected teeth, making them more susceptible to further damage or decay.

Ignoring these signs of bruxism can lead to more extensive dental issues and costly treatments down the line. However, seeking professional dental care and considering a custom night guard can help prevent further damage and safeguard your teeth from the harmful effects of teeth grinding.

There’s Tension in Facial Muscles

Bruxism can cause tension in the facial muscles, leading to discomfort in the cheeks, temples, and even around the eyes. If you notice tightness or soreness in these areas, it could be related to teeth grinding.

The constant clenching and grinding can overwork the muscles in your face, leading to muscle tension and fatigue. This tension can be particularly noticeable upon waking up in the morning or after times of increased stress.

Ignoring these signs of facial muscle tension can exacerbate the discomfort and may result in chronic pain if left untreated.

Your Sleep Schedule Is a Mess

Bruxism can lead to disrupted sleep patterns for the individual with the condition and their sleep partner. The noise and discomfort associated with teeth grinding can lead to restless nights for both parties. The rhythmic grinding or clenching of teeth can create audible sounds that disrupt the tranquility of sleep, causing frequent awakenings throughout the night.

This can result in a lack of restorative sleep for the bruxism sufferer and their sleep partner, leading to daytime fatigue and irritability. Additionally, the discomfort experienced by the individual with bruxism can cause them to toss and turn in search of a more comfortable position, further impacting the quality of their sleep.

If you’re experiencing any or all of these signs, it’s time to invest in a custom night guard online. At Clear Comfort Night Guards, we offer several different types of custom mouth guard for teeth grinding.

Learn more and place your order.