Mouth guard for grinding teeth

Your partner might be complaining about your teeth grinding at night or you might be awakening in the morning with neck tension, headaches, jaw and shoulder pain. You could be suffering from Bruxism.

Bruxism

Bruxism is otherwise called teeth grinding and clenching while sleeping. It is a neurological disorder that can cause sleep disturbance and occur during the early hours of sleep. Not only is teeth grinding disturbing to your partner, it causes uncomfortable symptoms and damage to the teeth. Continued pressure on the teeth can cause severe damage to the enamel such as chipping and wearing of the enamel. This results in exposure of dentin from enamel destruction. The damage to the teeth can be very extensive and causes increased sensitivity due to nerve exposure as well as loosen the teeth. It is also very expensive to fix the damages to the teeth. The effects of teeth grinding is not localized to the mouth; it causes pain in the jaws and shoulders. There is also tension in the neck muscles and it cause headaches as a result of overactive muscle activities.

Teeth grinding and Temporomandibular joints 

Bruxism can be mild, moderate or severe. Many people are unaware of the habit and find out during a dental visit when a wear spot on the teeth is discovered. This can be corrected by placing a crown on the worn teeth. The condition can also lead to damage to the temporomndibular joints. This important joint connects the jaw to the skull. The cause of the condition is unknown but some associated factors include missing teeth, stress and insomnia. Comfort measures including applying warm compress to aching muscles and stress reduction. These are recommended to alleviate symptoms and reduce the frequency of teeth grinding. The condition affects people of all ages including children who tend to grind their teeth during certain illness such as allergies and infections.

Bruxism guards

Several types of night guards for teeth grinding are available. Some night guards are boiled before insertion at night which makes them flexible and easy to fit. Other night guards are adjustable and do not require boiling. Dental protectors are available in various sizes but a consultation with a dentist is beneficial in providing the best custom fit night guard for you comfort.

A consultation with your dentist can resolve the sleep disturbing disorder by providing a custom fitted night guard. An oral examination is performed and an impression of the teeth is taken for proper fitting of the size. The oral device is made from material that is bite resistant and helps to protect the teeth by fitting over the teeth and preventing contact with the opposite teeth. The material is also durable, energy absorbent and heat resistant. The guard also retrains the massetter muscles (the muscles that deal with chewing). They fit perfectly as well as feel comfortable in the mouth, which promotes good sleep.

We can custom fit your night guard for $299 for a $495 value which is very economical.