Do you often find yourself waking up with a sore jaw or headache? If so, you may need to start using a mouthguard while you sleep. A good night’s sleep is crucial for your overall health and well-being, and a mouthguard can help ensure you get the most out of your slumber. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using a mouthguard while sleeping and provide tips on choosing the right one for you.
What Are Mouthguards?
Mouthguards protect your teeth from grinding or clenching while you’re sleeping. If you often wake up with a sore jaw or headache, it may be due to bruxism, the medical term for teeth grinding. Bruxism is a common condition that affects millions of Americans and can cause serious dental problems if left untreated. Wearing a mouthguard can help prevent these problems and give you a good night’s sleep.
Mouthguards Help You Sleep Better
A mouthguard can encourage sleeping for the following reasons:
Reduce Teeth Grinding
Wearing a mouthguard can help reduce or eliminate teeth grinding at night. This can lead to fewer headaches and a reduction in the wear and tear on your teeth.
Prevent TMJ
If you suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, wearing a mouthguard can help prevent pain and discomfort. TMJ is a condition that causes pain in the jaw joint and muscles. Wearing a mouthguard can help keep the jaw in alignment and prevent pain.
Decrease Snoring
Mouthguards can also help reduce or eliminate snoring. Snoring often occurs when there’s an airway obstruction, which can cause vibrations that lead to noise. Wearing a mouthguard can help keep the airway open and reduce or eliminate snoring.
Tips for Choosing a Mouthguard
There are many different types of mouthguards available on the market, so it’s important to choose one that is comfortable and fits well. You should also consider your budget. Some mouthguards are more expensive than others, but generally, they are a relatively affordable way to improve sleep quality.
When choosing a mouthguard, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
Comfort
The most important thing is to find a comfortable mouthguard for sleeping. If it’s not comfortable, you’re less likely to wear it. Look for one that is made of soft material and fits well. You may need to try a few different types before you find the right one.
Size
Make sure the mouthguard fits well. It should be snug but not too tight. If it’s too loose, it will not stay in place and may not be effective. If it’s too tight, it will be uncomfortable to wear.
Ease of Use
Look for a mouthguard that is easy to put in and take out. You don’t want one so difficult to use that you’re less likely to wear it.
Conclusion
So, if you often find yourself waking up with a headache or sore jaw, you may need to start using a mouthguard while you sleep. Mouthguards can help reduce teeth grinding, prevent TMJ, and decrease snoring. When choosing a mouthguard, comfort is key. Look for one that is made of soft material and fits well. You may need to try a few different types before you find the right one.
Think you need a mouthguard? Contact Hale Wellness Dental Studio today to see how we can help!