General Dentistry

Nightguards

Tooth grinding, a condition also called bruxism, can do serious damage to your teeth. If you grind your teeth while sleeping, the damage to your teeth could include cracks, chips, and worn down enamel. Nightguards help protect your teeth from tooth grinding. If you grind your teeth at night, wearing nightguards can help you avoid damage that could lead to toothaches, infections, and even lost teeth.

Nightguards are shields that protect your teeth from the wear and tear that can occur when you grind your teeth. There are different types of nightguards, so if you need one of these products, you’ll have to decide how to get the right nightguards for you. Nightguards can be sold in pharmacies or can be customized to fit your teeth in the dental office.

Before your dentist in Lompoc, CA recommends a nightguard, they’ll check to see if you grind your teeth. Your dentist will see the tell-tale signs, but you may notice the symptoms yourself. Some signs that you grind your teeth while sleeping include:

  • You have headaches in the morning when you wake up
  • Your jaw hurts, particularly after you wake up in the morning
  • You suffer from TMJ
  • Your teeth have damage like cracks, chips and/or the enamel is worn down

Nightguards are essential because they can protect your teeth. While there may not be a way to stop your teeth from grinding at night, nightguards in Lompoc, CA prevent the problems that can occur due to bruxism.