A mouth guard is a small dental appliance that you wear at night to protect your teeth. If you are found to be clenching or grinding your teeth in your sleep, you should have one. Grinding your teeth, also called bruxism, is a bad habit that is often hard to control while you are sleeping. It can damage your teeth enamel and lead to a sore jaw and headaches when you wake in the morning. Here are some of the top signs that you need a mouth guard.

You Wake Up With head or Jaw Pain

One of the first things you may notice when you have been clenching or grinding your teeth at night is that you wake with a headache or jaw pain. You might notice that your jaw feels very stiff and tight, and that you hear a light popping sound when you open your mouth wide. It is also very common to experience a headache in the morning when you wake up, especially on the sides of your head. If this keeps happening to you, it is time to talk to a dentist about getting a mouth guard.

Your Teeth Grinding is Chronic

It is not unusual to grind your teeth occasionally, due to stress. However, if you are grinding your teeth each night, then it becomes a problem. Your dentist should be able to tell if you're grinding your teeth because your enamel starts to wear away on your molars. This is a very common sign for bruxism. They will most likely recommend getting a mouth guard to protect your teeth if you suffer from chronic teeth grinding.

You Suffer From TMJ

TMJ, also called temporomandibular joint disorder, is caused by your jaw becoming inflamed. This can lead to grinding your teeth and clenching hem. If you have TMJ, you are automatically at risk for grinding your teeth, and therefore need a mouth guard. Many people with TMJ usually gets a mouth guard at some point in their life.

You Chipped a Tooth

If you chipped a tooth and there were no obvious signs of trauma, it is likely due to the extra pressure being put on your teeth while teeth grinding. This is definitely a sign that you need a mouth guard, because it means all of your teeth are at risk for chipping or fracturing. After repairing the tooth that was chipped, get impressions done at your dentist for a mouth guard. It will be custom-made to fit your teeth, allowing for a comfortable fit.

For more information about the uses and importance of a mouth guard, contact a clinic like Eden Prairie Dental Care.