Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treatment
Athens, AL
 There are several conditions which may require you to wear a night mouth guard while you sleep. At Singing River Dentistry, we can give you more information on these conditions and let you know about the various types of mouth guards available for overnight use.
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Night Mouth Guards for Three Conditions
There are three main conditions that night mouth guards can treat, and these conditions can also be related to one another. These conditions are sleep apnea, bruxism, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
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Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing while you sleep.
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Bruxism, also called teeth grinding or teeth clenching, makes you clench and grind your teeth. Bruxism typically happens while you sleep (sleep bruxism). However, some individuals also grind and clench their teeth throughout the day while they are awake (awake bruxism). Patients may have one type of bruxism, or both. Bruxism can be a cause of sleep apnea. Likewise, it can also be a cause of TMJ disorder.
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TMJ disorder (TMD) is marked by jaw pain and tightness, but it can have other unpleasant symptoms as well. Some of these symptoms include headaches, tooth pain, ear pain, and clicking noises coming from the jaw. |
How Bruxism Can Harm Teeth
Teeth grinding and clenching bring about different kinds of harm to the teeth. Often, teeth grinding happens while sleeping and you are unaware that you are doing it. Therefore, the more you continue experiencing teeth grinding, the more enamel loss you experience. Erosion of the enamel leads to over-sensitivity. Your teeth may also be vulnerable to decay and infections.
Teeth grinding is also likely to fracture an already weak tooth or damage any fillings you may have. As you clench the jaw, you apply excessive pressure to the temporomandibular joint. As such, you may have misalignment of the jaw, hence having difficulties chewing, pain around or inside the ear, and headaches.
Night Mouth Guards
Types of Night Mouth Guards
Night mouth guards can be either soft or hard. Soft overnight mouth guards are typically more comfortable, but they are also the less durable type. Hard overnight mouth guards are slightly less comfortable, but they are also highly durable compared to soft overnight mouth guards. Dual-laminate overnight mouth guards are hard outside and soft inside. Occlusal splints, similar to night guards, are also an available option.
You can get either over-the-counter or custom night mouth guards. Over-the-counter mouth guards can either be one-size-fits-all or boil and bite. One-size-fits-all mouth guards are the same shape and size for everyone, so there is a risk of your teeth shifting as you wear them. These also tend not to be the most comfortable.
Boil and bite night mouth guards can be heated in boiling water and then molded around your teeth. They are not a perfect fit, but they are much better than one-size-fits-all mouth guards.
Custom-fitted night mouth guards are created by the team at our dental lab. You will need to come to our office so that we can obtain a dental impression for the lab. Our dentists and team will construct your overnight mouth guard based on a mold of your teeth. Custom-fitted mouth guards are the best fit, most comfortable, and most durable of each of the overnight mouthguard options.
How to Choose a Night Mouth Guard
Your night mouth guard is designed to shield your teeth from clenching and grinding. Ensure you choose a night mouth guard that is comfortable. Uncomfortable night mouth guards are harmful since you will not enjoy using them, and likely won't end up wearing them as a result.
Your oral condition determines the right type of mouth night guard that is appropriate for you. However, custom-fitted night mouth guards are the best since they are made from your teeth imprints and will fit you exactly.
Night Mouth Guard Maintenance
You should clean your night mouth guard after each use to prevent bacteria from building up.
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Rinse the mouth guard using soap and warm water. Hot water could warp the material, so make sure you only use warm water.
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Then, brush your mouth guard using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
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Soak the mouth guard in a specially designed cleaning solution for about 10 to 20 minutes.
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After this, you can remove it from the solution, dry it, and then store it in a case.
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Over-the-counter mouth guards may or may not come with a case, so make sure you get one if it does not. Our custom-fitted mouth guards do come with a case. |
TMJ/TMD
TMD Causes and Risk Factors
You can be predisposed to TMJ disorders (TMD) by factors outside of your control, such as genetics, stress, and other physical and mental health disorders. However, your lifestyle choices can also play a role, such as frequently leaning your cheek onto your hand, biting your nails, and frequently eating hard or chewy foods. One other major causes of TMJ is bruxism.
TMD Non-Surgical Treatments
In mild cases, we can resolve bruxism and TMJ and its cause with basic medication and oral appliances. For example, pain medicines, muscle relaxants, stress management, Botox injections, and low-dose antidepressants can help your jaw relax, help you sleep better, and prevent you from grinding and clenching your teeth. These may be either over-the-counter or prescription, depending on your needs. Then, to treat bruxism or keep the jaw in its right position throughout the night, an overnight mouth guard is recommended.
TMD Surgical Treatment
There are three different types of surgery that can be performed for TMJ. Surgery is only needed in more severe cases that have not responded to traditional in-office or at-home treatments. These surgeries include arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, and open joint surgery.
Schedule with Your Athens Dentist for Bruxism Treatment
Night mouth guards offer valuable protection for those prone to grinding or clenching, helping to preserve dental health, alleviate discomfort, and improve overall well-being. With options ranging from OTC to custom-fitted guards, finding the right night mouth guard can make a significant difference in maintaining healthy teeth and a comfortable jaw. Contact us today at (256) 293-5393 to schedule an appointment. |
