While most people associate mouthguards with individuals who play contact sports, they offer other applications, such as important dental care. Custom versions conform to the wearers’ mouths to avoid soft tissue rubbing issues that stock versions create, so they can be worn while sleeping with comfort. If you're experiencing any of the following, seek a consultation with a professional to discuss having a guard made for you.

What Signs Call for a Custom Mouthguard? 

1. Jaw Pain and Facial Soreness

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common dental issue that usually results from stress. People can unwittingly grind their teeth while awake or during sleep, resulting in facial soreness and jaw pain from the related pressure. 

If you routinely wake up with one or both of these issues, schedule a dental appointment. Depending on your symptoms, your dentist might diagnose you with bruxism or TMJ syndrome. The latter issue concerns grinding-related jaw muscle inflammation and discomfort. 

2. Headaches

Constant pressure on the teeth and jaw from bruxism often results in morning headaches. Ear and tooth pain can also occur, depending on the severity of the pressure and how long tooth grinding has been a problem. 

Most headache pain from teeth grinding happens in the sides and back of the head due to close proximity to the jaw. If you can't explain your headaches any other way, grinding issues might be the cause. 

3. Tooth Wear

Grinding actions eventually wear teeth down since the top and bottom rows essentially rub and clench against each other throughout the night. Your dentist might alert you to the wear and related problems, such as tooth fractures. 

It’s also possible to see the wear with a mirror or feel the lack of grooves on your back teeth with your tongue. A custom mouthguard prevents further wear and pain by creating barriers between your upper and lower teeth. 

4. Interrupted Sleep

Waking up during the night because of pain or jarring friction can leave you groggy and sleep-deprived in the morning. Rather than continually dealing with sleep issues, talk to a dentist about mouthguards. By relieving the pressure and pain, your chances of sleeping through the night and waking up refreshed increase dramatically. 

If a custom mouthguard is right for your oral health needs, turn to the compassionate care team at William U. Britton, DDS, MAGD. This general dentistry practice serves residents throughout Jackson and Chillicothe, OH, and welcomes patients of all ages. Call (740) 772-2225 today to schedule your appointment or learn about the wide range of services available online. Like the Facebook page for more dental care insight.