Do You Need a Mouth Guard?

Need a Mouth Guard?

Many people grind their teeth at night. It might be a symptom of stress, or it might be a sign of another illness. Grinding your teeth can damage your enamel and lead to serious dental problems.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth at night. A few people experience bruxism in the daytime, but it’s usually a nighttime disorder.

Because of this, you may not even know you’re doing it.

Symptoms of Bruxism

Teeth grinding can lead to symptoms that include:

• Chipped and worn enamel.

• Fractured, split or loose teeth.

• Grinding your teeth so loudly that you wake yourself up.

• Jaw and neck pain.

• Dull, throbbing headache.

• Chewing on the insides of your cheeks.

• Restless sleep.

• Tooth pain.

These are all symptoms that warrant a call to your dentist. A complete dental checkup will help your dentist determine if you have bruxism. If you do, your dentist may prescribe a mouthguard.

What Causes Tooth Grinding?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: This is the number one cause of bruxism. Your dentist can help you identify the signs and symptoms to get you properly treated.

Anxiety: It’s common to grind your teeth when you feel high levels of stress or anxiety.

Personality: People with angry, aggressive or highly competitive personalities often grind their teeth at night.

Side effects of medication: Some psychiatric medications can cause tooth grinding as a side effect.

Lifestyle factors: Smoking, drinking alcohol and using narcotics can all cause bruxism. Drinking caffeine in the evening can also lead to tooth grinding.

Illness: People with sleep disorders, neurological disorders and attention deficit disorders frequently report having bruxism.

What Are the Best Treatments for Nighttime Tooth Grinding?

Once your dentist has diagnosed your bruxism, your dentist can prescribe the right treatment. A mouthguard is the most common treatment.

Also known as an occlusal guard, a bite splint, or an occlusal splint, this is a flexible plastic device that you wear when you’re sleeping. It prevents your teeth from touching each other.

This is usually the first course of treatment because it is safe, has no side effects, and is proven to work. Your dentist creates a custom fit that keeps the mouth guard comfortable while you’re sleeping.

How long will you have to wear it?

You should plan to wear your mouth guard for at least six months. Your dentist can check to see if your condition is improving.

Is it uncomfortable?

A custom-fitted mouthguard will fit you comfortably. There are over-the-counter mouth guards, but they are likely to poke and rub uncomfortably because they don’t have a personalized fit. They also tend to be a lot bulkier.

How do you keep it clean?

Your dental team can show you how to clean your splint. When you remove it in the morning, rinse it carefully. Brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Once a week, soak it in a mixture of water and a special cleaner made for dentures or dental appliances.

Will it fall out?

A fitted mouthguard is designed to stay on your teeth all night. It should not fall out while you’re sleeping. If yours consistently falls out, talk to your dentist. It may need to be refitted.

Can you wear it in the daytime?

Yes, you can wear it any time you wish. Some people wear their mouth guards while driving, getting ready for work, or relaxing at home.

What else can you do?

You can enhance the benefits of your bruxism with home care. A mouthguard is not a cure for bruxism. It simply stops the damage to your teeth while you fix the root of the problem. These steps can help.

• Reduce your stress and anxiety. Use meditation, deep breathing, or warm baths to relax before bedtime.

• Focus on your sleep. Regularly getting the right amount of deep sleep is one of the best ways to heal bruxism.

• Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine at bedtime.

• Use gentle massage to ease the pain in your jaw and reduce tension.

• Apply a warm compress to your aching jaw and neck.

Get Help for Your Grinding

If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth at night, contact Malan Family Dentistry. We’ll give you the correct diagnosis and design a treatment plan to stop the damage and help you heal. Call us for an appointment today.