Many things happen in your mouth while sleeping you aren’t aware of. Many people are prone to clench or grind their teeth at night. Aside from the mouth, Bruxism can trigger other problems as well. It’s estimated that this sleep disorder affects about 15% of children and 10% of adults in the U.S. Although bruxism is the main reason to wear a dental mouth guard, it is also beneficial for some other issues alike.

Let’s see five reasons why one is supposed to wear a mouth guard.

1. Bruxism

While most people consider bruxism (teeth grinding) a mere annoyance, dental experts regard it as a serious problem. No matter it’s chronic grinding or occasional sore jaw, a mouth guard for teeth grinding is a great way to address that problem. A dental guard not only reduces bruxism but also improves sleep. That’s why ‘bruxers’ should consider wearing a bruxism appliance.

2. Tooth Displacement

Mouth guards are recommended during some recreational sports, such as baseball, rugby, and boxing, as they provide protection and safety. If a heavy object (like a baseball) hits you right in your mouth, it may displace or break your tooth. This is where a mouthguard comes in. Such a device can protect you from a crushing blow by lessening the force over your teeth.

3. Chronic Headache

Head pain is pretty pesky and it can disturb your daily activities. It is very important to find out what causes your headache. Figuring out the type of your headache can help you treat it correctly. Do you often wake up with an enraged headache in the morning? Nightly teeth grinding or clenching could be the cause of your headaches, so-called tension headaches. When clenching or grinding your teeth, you make the pressure on your jaw. This can induce a headache. Perhaps a dental mouth guard cannot completely stop you grinding, it can significantly lessen it and thereby reduce a headache as well. This is a good reason to consider buying one.

4. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

TMJ occurs as the result of teeth grinding or clenching, affecting the muscles you use to chew as well as the joints that connect your skull and jaw. This joint disorder usually happens when the jaw muscles get inflamed. Although it can be caused by a variety of things, bruxism is deemed to be the main cause. TMJ disorder affects the jaw structures and mouth, including ligaments, nerves, muscles, and teeth. If you suffer from this disorder, consult your dentist regarding a mouth guard. While preventing your teeth from grinding and clenching, a dental mouth guard can also reduce the pain that is associated with TMJ.

5. Teeth Wear Crown Cracking

Most people don’t notice when their teeth wear down. Once your protective enamel has worn down, the crown underneath lays bare. This way your teeth become more prone to fracturing, discoloration, decay, cavity, and other problems. Same goes for crown cracking. The mouth guards prevent these teeth problems from occurring rather than treating them.

Remember that once you lose your tooth or a part of a tooth, it’s gone forever. This is why you need to protect your teeth by wearing a dental mouth guard.