Many patients grind their teeth while they are sleeping. Bruxism or chronic grinding can result in serious issues such as jaw pain and frequent headaches. Many dental professionals suggest patients wear a custom night guard to protect their teeth. When patients wear a mouth guard, it helps protect their teeth and prevents damage. Night guards can also provide relief from temporomandibular joint pain.
Bruxism
The term bruxism is used to describe the grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaws. Grinding occurs when patients move their jaw back and forth together, and clenching occurs when they bite down. Over time, this places excessive force on the teeth and jaws. Bruxism is a condition that impacts many patients. It can occur when patients are awake, and can also occur when patients are sleeping. It can occur spontaneously or as the result of stress. Patients often do not know they grind their teeth when sleeping until a dental professional makes them aware of the habit.
Symptoms
Grinding the teeth can result in various symptoms, including damage to the enamel of the teeth. It can also result in decay and cause increased sensitivity. Other symptoms can include sleep disruption, headaches, and jaw, face, or neck pain.
Risk Factors
Below are things that can be risk factors for developing bruxism:
- Age: Younger patients are at an increased risk for bruxism
- Personality: Bruxism is more common in individuals who are competitive, aggressive, or extremely active
- Stress: Grinding the teeth can be the result of high levels of stress or the bodyโs reaction to anger and frustration
- Substances & Medications: Certain medications, tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine can also increase the risk of experiencing bruxism.
- Health Issues: Other types of health issues can also cause teeth grinding. This can include epilepsy, sleep apnea, Parkinsonโs disease, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Night Guard
A night guard is a thin tray that rests on top of the teeth. It may appear similar to whitening trays. The device may also be called a bite splint, occlusal splint, or occlusal guard. While the night guard does not actually stop patients from grinding or clenching, it protects the teeth and jaw from serious damage. The guard also aids in establishing the natural space that should exist between the teeth.
Side Effects
When bruxism remains untreated, it can cause serious dental issues. This can result in patients needing expensive and time-consuming treatments. Bruxism is actually one of the leading causes of root canals. One serious side effect of teeth grinding is the erosion of the toothโs enamel. Enamel works by protecting the teeth, and the loss of enamel can increase the risk of patients having cavities. Clenching of the jaw places an extreme amount of force on the temporomandibular joint, resulting in serious pain. The benefit of a night guard is that the teeth and jaw are protected from these issues.
Night Guard Benefits
Benefits of using a night guard are summarized below:
- Protects teeth from damage to the enamel or structure of the tooth
- Prevents pain and discomfort
- Improves sleep and eliminates disruption
- Minimize tension headaches
- Maintains bite and prevents movement of the teeth
Night guards are an excellent solution for patients who grind their teeth. Contact the office today to discuss how a night guard can help protect your teeth and jaws from damage associated with the extreme forces of grinding.