{"id":451,"date":"2019-07-31T12:42:03","date_gmt":"2019-07-31T12:42:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.capitalsmiles.com\/blog\/?p=451"},"modified":"2025-07-10T18:19:54","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T18:19:54","slug":"do-i-need-a-night-guard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.capitalsmiles.com\/blog\/do-i-need-a-night-guard\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I Need a Night Guard?"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
\r\n
\"Happy<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Many adults experience jaw pain as they get older, but this uncomfortable problem is not just another side effect of aging. Jaw pain often occurs due to clenching and teeth grinding that occurs at night while you sleep — and if that is the cause of your jaw discomfort, a night guard can offer significant help.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Your TMJ dentist<\/a> in Schenectady offers this and other treatment options for patients dealing with jaw pain related to bruxism or temporomandibular joint disorder. Keep reading to learn more!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What Is TMJ?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The TMJ is the group of joints that is located at the base of your jaw below your ears. It helps you open and close your mouth to eat and speak properly. However, when the teeth are misaligned or facial trauma occurs, the TMJ may come out of alignment. This can result in TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) as well as teeth grinding and jaw clenching, also known as bruxism. The long-term effects of these issues include weak or worn down teeth, shifting teeth, sensitivity, and eventually tooth loss.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Signs You Need a Night Guard<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

A night guard is often a highly effective treatment for TMJ and bruxism, as it provides a layer of cushion between the upper and lower jaw. Some of the signs you need a night guard to protect your smile include the following:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n