Waking up with jaw pain or worn-down teeth? You may be grinding your teeth while you sleep, a common condition known as bruxism. Many people don’t realize it’s happening until real damage is already done. That’s where a night guard in Quincy can make all the difference. These custom-fitted dental appliances help protect your teeth and jaw while you sleep and are often recommended after a proper dental exam in Quincy.
So, how do you know if you’re grinding your teeth at night? Let’s break it down.
1. Jaw Soreness in the Morning
One of the most obvious signs of nighttime grinding is waking up with a sore, tense jaw. The constant clenching and grinding of your teeth during sleep puts pressure on your jaw muscles, often leading to stiffness or pain that lasts throughout the day.
If you notice tightness around your jaw, popping sounds, or discomfort while chewing, it may be time to schedule an appointment with our team at Quincy Dentist to evaluate if bruxism is to blame.
2. Frequent Headaches
Do you get dull headaches near your temples after waking up? They might not be from stress or sleep position; they could be caused by bruxism. The tension created by grinding your teeth radiates up into the sides of your head, mimicking tension headaches.
A night guard that Quincy patients trust can help relax those overworked muscles and reduce how often you experience this kind of discomfort.
3. Worn, Chipped, or Cracked Teeth
Teeth grinding causes enamel to wear down over time, leading to flat or uneven tooth surfaces. In more advanced cases, it can even result in chipped or cracked teeth, especially if left untreated.
If your teeth are looking shorter, jagged, or suddenly sensitive, visit our office in Quincy to assess the damage. Restorative treatments like dental crowns or bonding may be needed to fix the damage, but a night guard can prevent it from getting worse.
4. Tooth Sensitivity or Pain
Since grinding wears away the protective layer of enamel, it leaves teeth vulnerable to hot, cold, and sweet foods. If you feel a sharp twinge when drinking something cold or biting into a treat, it could be due to bruxism.
In more severe cases, this constant pressure can lead to nerve exposure or even fractured roots, requiring treatments like tooth extraction if the damage is too far gone. A night guard can help preserve your natural teeth and avoid invasive procedures.
5. Disturbed Sleep (for You or Your Partner)
Some people who grind their teeth do it loudly enough to wake up a partner. Others may not make much sound, but still wake up feeling unrested. If you or your loved one notices strange noises or signs of poor sleep, grinding might be the culprit.
A custom-fitted night guard in Quincy not only protects your smile, but it may also improve your quality of sleep and reduce jaw tension that keeps you tossing and turning.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Bruxism can have several triggers. The most common include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Sleep disorders (like sleep apnea)
- Misaligned teeth or bite issues
- Certain medications or substances (like caffeine, alcohol, or antidepressants)
Once we identify the cause during a dental exam, we’ll create a plan tailored to your needs.
How a Night Guard Can Help
A night guard is a custom-molded appliance that fits over your teeth and acts as a barrier between your upper and lower jaw. Unlike store-bought options, professionally made guards fit comfortably, last longer, and offer better protection.
They help:
- Reduce pressure on your jaw
- Prevent tooth wear and breakage
- Improve sleep quality
- Avoid costly dental repairs like veneers or implants
We’ll take an impression of your teeth and have a guard made to fit your mouth perfectly, usually ready in just a few days.
Final Thoughts
Teeth grinding might seem harmless at first, but over time, it can lead to serious dental problems, from worn enamel to cracked teeth and even sleep issues. If any of these five signs sound familiar, talk to your local family dentist in Quincy about getting a night guard before things get worse.
At our dental office in Quincy, we offer full evaluations, custom-fit night guards, and treatment plans designed to protect your smile without interrupting your sleep.