Do you grind your teeth at night? Is it a problem for someone in your family? Dr. Kashyap Patel, Dr. Priya Patel, and the team at Smile Loft Dental at Hillandale may be able to help you save your smile. Call 301-445-5821 to schedule a visit with our dentists for a custom night guard in Silver Spring, Maryland.
A night guard is a special mouth guard designed to protect your teeth from bruxism, or teeth grinding. Teeth grinding can cause damage to your smile over time, so if our dentists and team suspect you suffer from bruxism, they may recommend a night guard to protect your smile. Many people are unaware of whether they suffer from teeth grinding, as it occurs at night while they sleep. If you are suffering from bruxism, you may be experiencing the following symptoms:
- Chronic jaw, ear or facial pain
- Waking up with a tired or tight feeling in your jaw
- Tension headaches and migraines
- Severe tooth wear that leads to chipped, cracked or flattened teeth
- Worn down tooth enamel, revealing the inner layers of the tooth
- Indentations on the side of the tongue
- Tooth sensitivity
If you suspect you are suffering from bruxism, we recommend you visit our dentists for your very own custom-made night guard. Your night guard will be designed to fit comfortably and effectively protect your teeth from damage, ensuring the lasting health of your smile. To learn more about night guards and how they protect your smile from the negative effects of teeth grinding, we encourage you to contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
A night guard is a custom dental appliance worn during sleep to protect your teeth from grinding (bruxism) and clenching, helping reduce wear, jaw pain, and headaches.
Signs like morning jaw soreness, worn teeth, headaches, or grinding sounds at night may indicate you could benefit from a night guard. A dentist can confirm this during an exam.
Yes — wearing your night guard nightly is typically recommended for people with significant grinding or clenching to protect your teeth and jaw muscles.
Custom-fit night guards are made to match your bite and are usually more comfortable than over-the-counter options, though it may take a few nights to adjust.
Rinse and gently brush your night guard daily, store it in its protective case, and avoid heat to prevent warping.
With proper care, a night guard can last several years, but regular dental check-ups help ensure it still fits correctly and protects your teeth.