Have you ever woken up with a jaw pain, a sensitive tooth, or a headache that you cannot explain? Then it is likely that you have been grinding your teeth at night. Bruxism is the term for the habit of clenching or grinding one’s teeth. It is a widespread phenomenon, but one that considerably affects the teeth. You can use a mouth guard for teeth grinding to avoid bruxism.
What is the best and the most recommended solution? A mouth guard for seizures! It is a simple and effective instrument that is the protection of the teeth during sleep. So let us understand its mechanism and why this product can be very friendly for your teeth.
What Is a Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding?
A mouth guard for teeth grinding is a device that is either custom-fitted or purchased over the counter and that is worn over the teeth during sleep. Its main function is to prevent the two dentures from coming into contact with each other by establishing a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. By this method, grinding, jaw stress, and even broken fillings or crowns are avoided.
There are different types of mouth guards for teeth grinding. The custom mouth guards are the ones made by your dentist to match your bite exactly, while the boil-and-bite ones are soft plastic guards that you can make to fit your teeth by yourself at home. Some people also decide to go with the one-size-fits-all guards, but these do not offer the same level of comfort or protection as a custom-made mouth guard for teeth grinding.
Why You Might Need a Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding?
A mouth guard for teeth grinding should not only be used to avoid pain but also to ensure the dental health of the individual in the long run. Grinding at night causes extreme force on the teeth of the individual, which in turn causes enamel cracks, loss of fillings, and gum recession. If the pressure is maintained over time, it can result in serious problems such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders.
Grinding of teeth is a problem that can be found in people of any age. Adults under stress and children with irregular bites are more likely to grind their teeth. If it has ever been mentioned to you that you grind your teeth or you wake up with a tight jaw, then trying a mouth guard for grinding of teeth should be your next step. A mouth guard for teeth grinding not just improves your sleep but also makes sure that your oral health is maintained.
How to Choose the Right Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding?
Mouth guards for teeth grinding are not all the same when it comes to teeth grinding. If you want maximum comfort and protection, the custom mouth guard made by a dental professional is your best choice. These are designed to fit your mouth perfectly, so they will not move while you are sleeping and will not obstruct your breathing.
If you are looking for a less expensive alternative, boil-and-bite guards could be a good compromise. First, you melt the material in hot water and then bite into it so that the guard fits your teeth. They are somewhat better than the completely generic ones, but still, they are not as long-lasting and accurate as the custom mouth guard for teeth grinding.
Additionally, be mindful of the materials. A good mouthguard for bruxism should be made of a material without BPA and it should be durable and easy to clean. Some guards even have an antimicrobial coating for extra hygiene. If you are a back or side sleeper, make sure it is not too big.
FAQ: Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding
Yes, a mouth guard for teeth grinding absorbs the force and protects the teeth from the impact of jaw clenching and grinding whilst sleeping.
You can come across both boil-and-bite as well as ready-made types at almost every drugstore. Nonetheless, a tailor-fit night guard for bruxism is the one that provides better safety and solace.
The mouth guard that is used for teeth grinding should be rinsed with cold water after each use. A toothbrush and a mild soap can also be used for the cleaning of the mouth guard but that should be done only occasionally.
It really depends on the kind. A custom guard is capable of lasting for a number of years, and on the other hand, an over-the-counter one is likely to be worn out in a couple of months due to which one has to get a new one.
If your teeth grinding is regular, then definitely. It is very necessary to wear your mouth guard at night so that protection is provided to your teeth and no damage is done in the long run.
