Did you know that nearly 1 in 5 people grind their teeth while sleeping? Even more—1 in 4 people—clench their jaws during the day without even realising it!
Bruxism, or teeth grinding in simple terms, is often an overlooked condition that leads to serious oral health issues. Many people fail to connect their chronic jaw pain, morning headaches, and sensitive teeth to nighttime teeth grinding.
To prevent Bruxism-related damage, a nighttime mouthguard is a simple yet powerful solution. These guards act as a protective barrier between the upper and the lower teeth. Yet, many are unaware of the hidden dangers of not weaning one and end up neglecting this small but significant dental device.
Let’s dive into why a custom dental night guard is the best solution for protecting your teeth and the severe risks of skipping it.
Bruxism by the Numbers in a Nutshell
- 21% of the people worldwide suffer from sleep bruxism, yet most remain unaware until significant damage occurs.
- 23% of individuals experience awake bruxism, making daytime clenching just as concerning as nighttime grinding.
- North America has the highest prevalence of sleep bruxism at 31%, followed by South America (23%), Europe (21%), and Asia (19%).
These numbers highlight the commonality of bruxism and the damage it causes—yet many people continue to ignore it until irreversible damage occurs.
The Hidden Dangers of Skipping a Nighttime Mouth Guard
It’s not just a minor inconvenience. Bruxism is a destructive habit that can cause serious health issues.
Here’s what you could be facing if you grind your teeth and do not wear a nighttime mouth guard:
Severe Enamel Wear & Irreversible Tooth Damage
Enamel does not regenerate, meaning that once it’s gone, your teeth are permanently weakened. Grinding and clenching apply extreme pressure to your teeth, wearing down the enamel and making them more prone to cavities, fractures, and sensitivity.
Chronic Jaw Pain, TMJ Disorder, & Headaches
You may feel chronic pain, facial tension, and migraines caused by unprotected teeth grinding that puts excessive strain on the jaw joint, leading to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). You may also face inflammation in the muscles surrounding the jaw from the strain of bruxism, resulting in discomfort that worsens over time.
Poor Sleep Quality & Fatigue
Your teeth aren’t the only ones that Bruxism harms. It also disrupts your sleep. Coupled with involuntary grinding, the tension in your jaw muscles can interrupt your sleep cycles, leaving you feeling exhausted, irritable, and unfocused day after day.
A polysomnography study estimated that 43% of individuals experience sleep bruxism. Poor sleep quality is also linked to higher stress and anxiety.
Expensive Dental Treatments (That Are Easy to Avoid)
Prolonged grinding can lead to cracked or broken teeth, making expensive restoration treatments like crowns, veneers, or even implants a necessity. You may have to spend thousands of dollars on dental repairs that could have been easily avoided by getting a custom dental night guard.
Why a Custom Dental Night Guard is the Best Solution
One important detail that you must keep in mind when it comes to protecting your teeth from bruxism is that not all night guards are created equal.
Store-bought options often lack the durability, comfort, and proper fit that your teeth need to prevent long-term damage effectively, even though they might seem convenient and affordable. Custom dental night guards offer top-notch protection, comfort, and longevity.
Here are the reasons why investing in a custom night guard is the best option for yoru oral health:
Perfect fit for comfort
A custom-fitted night guard is molded to match your exact bite, preventing soreness, irritation, and slippage while sleeping— which generic bulky and uncomfortable night guards cause.
Better Protection
A custom night guard reduces stress on your teeth and jaw, effectively minimizing bruxism-related damage, as a custom night guard is specifically designed to absorb pressure from grinding without shifting or causing uneven pressure points.
Longer Lifespan
High-quality custom guards are made from durable materials that last several years, making them a more cost-effective choice in the long run, in contrast to over-the-counter guards that tend to wear out quickly, often needing replacement every few months.
Personalized Design
Custom-made guards can be adjusted for thickness, breathability, and even specific dental conditions, such as TMJ issues or misalignment. They can also be designed thin for maximum comfort or with extra cushioning for severe bruxism.
Here is a table with a side-by-side comparison between store-bought and custom dental nighttime mouthguards:
| Feature | Store-bought Night Guard | Custom dental nighttime mouth guard |
| Fit & Comfort | One-size-fits-all may fall out or cause discomfort | Precision-moulded to your teeth for a secure and snug fit |
| Protection Level | Limited protection— may not cover all teeth properly | Designed to absorb and distribute pressure evenly |
| Material Quality | Basic—often less durable plastic | High-quality, long-lasting materials tailored to individual needs |
| Lifespan | Wears down quickly (3-6 months) | Lasts several years with proper care |
| Personalization | No customization options | Adjustable thickness, design, and fit based on individual dental structure |
| Cost-effectiveness | Cheaper upfront, but frequent replacements add up | Higher initial investment but lasts longer, becoming a superior investment |
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If you suffer from jaw pain, morning headaches, or unexplained tooth sensitivity, don’t wait until the damage is irreversible.
Bruxism is a silent but serious condition that can lead to permanent tooth damage, chronic pain, and costly dental repairs! Talk to your dentist and get a custom dental nighttime mouthguard today—your teeth (and your future self) will thank you!