If you have been grinding your teeth while sleeping, you might have bruxism. This is an oral condition that can cause teeth problems and jaw pain. People with teeth grinding problems don’t notice when it happens because they are asleep. Therefore, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms of bruxism like morning headaches or loose teeth. Seeking treatment is essential in reducing the effects of bruxism.
One of the most reliable ways to fix this problem is teeth guards. Read on to learn more about bruxism and teeth guards’ role in reducing its symptoms.
What Is Bruxism?
Some people clench or grind their teeth once in a while. Grinding your teeth knowingly and once in a while won’t harm your teeth. However, occasional and aggressive teeth grinding could result from a condition known as bruxism. Bruxism can happen when a person is asleep or awake. Even though the grinding action is the same in both conditions, sleep and awake bruxism are two different conditions:
- Sleep bruxism: In this type of bruxism, you grind your teeth while sleeping. This increases the damage because a person doesn’t have control over what process. Being unaware of what is happening increases the risk of more harm. Another danger of sleep bruxism is that victims don’t know how hard they are grinding their teeth. In some cases, they use over 200 pounds of force, causing teeth and jaw problems. Aggressive grinding can also lead to headaches and migraines.
- Awake bruxism: Awake bruxism is when you grind your teeth and clench your jaw during the day. This condition is usually connected to emotional issues that cause restlessness. Feeling stressed, anxious, or angry can lead to teeth grinding, a condition that affects your oral health. Besides, you can find yourself grinding your teeth when you concentrate on something. Unlike sleep bruxism, awake bruxism often doesn’t need treatment. This is the case because you will likely notice the grinding and stop. Nonetheless, you should use stress management methods to help you become aware of what is going on. This reduces the frequency of teeth grinding and keeps its effects at bay.
Teeth Guards and their Role Against Bruxism
Most cases of bruxism can be treated by wearing a teeth guard. Wearing teeth guards from Teeth Night Guard Lab when sleeping will go a long way in reducing the effects of bruxism. Also known as dental guards, teeth guards work by putting a barrier between your teeth. This prevents them from getting in contact, hence reducing impact. A teeth guard gives a cushion to jaw muscles and lightens the tension. The cushioning is vital for oral health because it prevents jaw and face pain. Besides, it protects your teeth’ enamel making them stronger and durable.
Types of Teeth Guards
There are different categories of teeth guards. The two main ones are those made for patients with teeth grinding or bruxism and those made to protect teeth from trauma due to sports or other activities. Teeth guards serve different purposes and will appear different in shape and design. They will also feel different in your mouth.
Here are the two main types of teeth guards.
Custom-fitted Teeth Guards
Custom-fitted teeth guards are very common. With this type of guard, the dentist uses a mold (impression of your teeth) to create a teeth guard that comfortably fits your mouth and teeth. Custom-fitted teeth guards tend to cost more because they provide the best protection and fitting. If you have teeth grinding problems, this type of teeth guard will provide the best protection possible. You won’t feel the symptoms of bruxism in the morning like before. Besides, you can use the teeth guard for other purposes like protection when gaming.
Boil-and-Bite Teeth Guards
Boil-and-bite teeth guards are also very common. They are made from a thermoplastic material that you can shape at your home to fit over your teeth. To use boil-and-bite teeth guards, you must first soak them in boiling water. Then, let them cool and then place them in your mouth. Press them over your front teeth and molars to fit them properly. They will fit snugly and provide the necessary protection against the effects of bruxism.
How Teeth Guards Help Against Bruxism
A teeth guard is one of the most reliable ways to stop bruxism. Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth and teeth, take them to the lab, and make a custom teeth guard that perfectly fits your teeth. Teeth guards prevent bruxism by forming a protective barrier between your lower and upper teeth. Therefore, when you wear a teeth guard while sleeping, you will avoid the effects of bruxism. Doing so also prevents the need for future dental restorations.
Furthermore, a teeth guard helps get rid of the headaches and migraines you have been experiencing in the morning due to bruxism. It also eliminates pain or discomfort in teeth or the jaw. As a result, you will have an improved quality of sleep, and you will wake up feeling refreshed. The discomfort and pain caused by bruxism will be something of the past, thanks to teeth guards.
It can be challenging to manage bruxism, especially if you are stressed or anxious. You can find yourself grinding your teeth during the day, something that wears off the enamel. In that case, you should get teeth guards that provide the best protection against the effects of bruxism. You should also talk to your dentist about the best type of teeth guard to use.
In some cases, teeth guards are also used to treat symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. This harmful type of sleep apnea blocks a patient’s airway. A custom-made teeth guard will fix this problem by keeping the airway open. Besides, you don’t have to worry about snoring because air will flow freely as you sleep. This is beneficial, especially for your loved ones, because there won’t be loud snoring.
Teeth Guards Are Useful Against Bruxism
While bruxism is primarily involuntary and uncontrollable, teeth guards help provide the necessary protection. These dental devices eliminate the effects of bruxism like jaw pain and headaches.
