If you grind your teeth at night, a special dental mouth guard may help you to prevent tooth damage.
Grinding and clenching your teeth may lead to:
- Fractures of the teeth
- Wear of the enamel
- Recession of the gums
- Bone loss
- TMJ (jaw joint) disorder
- Headaches
Night guards are made from an acrylic material that acts as a cushion between the top and bottom teeth that help protect your teeth from injury caused by teeth grinding. They generally cover your upper teeth only, but in some instances you may need a set for your lower teeth as well. Professional custom designed mouth guards will be comfortable, resist tears, be durable and easy to clean, and should not restrict your breathing or speech.