Stress can affect more than just your mood. For others, tension shows up at night in the form of grinding teeth, or bruxism. All that clenched jaw may not seem that damaging at first, but over time it can wear away enamel, stress jaw muscles, and cause headaches. Millions of Americans, says the American Dental Association, grind their teeth while they sleep and don’t even realize it. If you wake up with aching teeth or jaw, this may be the reason.

How Night Guards Maintain Your Smile

A night guard that is custom-made works as a cushion between your top and bottom teeth. Instead of grinding tooth to tooth, the guard absorbs the pressure. This small appliance reduces enamel wear and eliminates the danger of cracked fillings or worn-down teeth.

Night guards also prevent wear and tear on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Chronic grinding puts extra stress on this unit, and it can result in jaw pain or limited movement. Acting as a cushion, the guard protects teeth and joints from bruxism’s effects.

Why a Dentist in Coronado Prescribes Custom Guards

Most people try over-the-counter night guards first, but those one-size-fits-all ones never fit quite right. A poorly fitting guard will feel terrible, come loose in the middle of the night, or even lead to more bite issues. A Coronado dentist ensures that your night guard is custom-fitted to your mouth. Dental night guards are built with high-quality, long-lasting materials and shaped into your very own bite. Patients often find they conform immediately and find relief with every wear.

The Long-Term Benefits of Night Guards

Choosing a night guard isn’t just for convenience nowadays—it’s an investment in dental care. Without protection, grinding of the teeth can lead to:

• Thinning or broken enamel
• Tooth sensitivity
• Damage to dental work, like crowns or fillings
• Gum recession from too much pressure
• Jaw pain or tension headache that persists

A tailor-made night guard safeguards your natural teeth, saves dental work, and keeps the bite healthy. Eventually, it might just spare you from extensive treatments down the line. That is why many people call it one of the best tools for prevention that you can obtain from the top dentist in Coronado.

Take the Right Step for Stress Relief

If stress is already taking its toll on your teeth, you don’t have to wait until major damage has been accumulated. A trip to Coronado Dentistry can determine whether or not a night guard is right for you. Impressions are then taken, and your appliance is created to fit firmly and comfortably.

Stress can be inevitable, but its impact on your smile doesn’t need to be. With the right oral appliance, you can salvage your teeth, reduce pain, and sleep comfortably. Schedule your appointment today with our dentist in Coronado to determine if a custom night guard could be the solution for you.