How Does a Night Guard Work to Relieve Jaw Pain?

Do you find yourself rubbing a sore jaw or taking over-the-counter pain medication to ease the ache of jaw pain? There are several potential causes of jaw discomfort. If you’re grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw while you sleep, a custom night guard might be the solution. 

At Chroma Dental in the Midtown East community in New York City, New York, Brianna Davydov, DDS, Yev Davydov, DDS, Gregory Shank, DDS, and the rest of their team can help you find a path toward more restful sleep and less daytime jaw pain. 

Why is my jaw so sore throughout the day?

Occasional jaw pain is usually nothing to worry about. Anything that places undue pressure on your jaw can lead to temporary discomfort. A long nap on a plane with your head resting against the window, a motorcycle ride with a tightly fitting full-face helmet, or even watching a movie on the couch with your cheek propped in your hand can create a sore jaw. 

But if you have ongoing jaw pain or pain that is more than just a little uncomfortable, you might have a condition called bruxism, which is the medical term for habitual teeth grinding, and it can happen during the day or at night while you’re asleep. 

If you grind your teeth during the day, you’re probably already aware of the problem and can take steps to change this behavior. But while you’re asleep, you have no awareness and even less control. That’s where a custom night guard can help. 

What is a night guard?

A night guard is a dental appliance you wear while you sleep. They’re also called occlusal guards, bite splints, or nocturnal bite plates. They work to create a cushion between the surfaces of your upper and lower teeth to protect against harm from grinding. 

When you grind your teeth, you’re not only creating excess wear and tear on your tooth surfaces, you’re also placing pressure on the bone that anchors your teeth in place. Over time, that pressure can weaken your jaw joints and lead to inflammation and pain. You also risk cracking, shipping, or even loosening your teeth.

A night guard fits directly over the surface of your teeth to create a barrier. For some, the guard reduces the urge to grind while sleeping. Even if you continue the grinding motion, your teeth get protected from harm.

How long does it take to get used to wearing a night guard?

It probably feels strange to wear your guard for the first few nights. If you’ve ever worn orthodontic trays, an orthodontic aligner, or teeth whitening trays, the sensation of wearing a night guard is similar. 

After a week or so, you get used to the feel of your night guard, and putting it in becomes just another part of your bedtime routine. Chroma Dental offers custom night guards, which fit perfectly over the precise contours of your teeth. A custom guard is far more comfortable than an over-the-counter option designed with a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Chronic bruxism can lead to a condition called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which creates severe jaw pain. During your visit, your dental specialist evaluates your teeth and jaw to determine if you have this condition and explains treatment options if needed.  

If you’re ready to explore night guards in greater detail, don’t hesitate to contact the Chroma Dental team to schedule a visit today. You can set up an appointment over the phone or spend a few moments using the online booking tool to set up a time that works for you.