Mouth Guards: How to Guard Against Bruxism
Sleep bruxism is a condition that some people experience and can result in a sore jaw, headaches, and tiredness. There’s no cure for bruxism, and the cause is still not certain. Thankfully, there are solutions – if you wear a protective night guard, you can reduce or eliminate the symptoms. Keep reading on to find out how to improve your quality of life by wearing a night guard.
What Is Sleep Bruxism?
Sleep bruxism is a condition whereby people grind or clench their teeth at night while sleeping. Doctors aren’t exactly sure what causes it, although several contributing factors have been identified. These include having crooked or missing teeth, feeling stressed or anxious, or having certain sleep disorders. In 2016, a study by the Journal of American Dental Association showed that people who regularly use alcohol and tobacco are more likely to develop sleep bruxism.
How Can I Tell If I Have Sleep Bruxism?
It can be tricky to know if you suffer from this condition since you’re asleep when it happens. Usually, a partner or parent can identify the grinding sounds at night. Upon finding out, you should consult with a doctor about the possible causes and get a mouth guard/night guard prescribed. Symptoms may include teeth clenching, sore jaws, regular morning headaches, insomnia, and unexplainable tooth damage.
How Can A Night Guard Stop Teeth Grinding?
A night guard is a form of mouth guard or dental guard that cushions your upper and lower jaw and prevents them from touching. There are different types of night guards, and each has its own set of pros and cons. You’ll want to find one that is comfortable to wear. Most night guards can be purchased over the counter, while others may require ordering from a dentist. Rinaldi Dental Arts in Chevy Chase, MD, creates custom-fitted mouth guards for bruxism and sleep apnea.
Soft Mouth Guards
Soft night guards are comfortable to wear and are most commonly used for bruxism. While they are often the cheapest option, they aren’t as durable and may not last long. Dual laminate night guards are more suited for moderate to severe cases of night grinding and can handle heavier teeth clenching and grinding. They are usually thicker than soft night guards and can take a while to get used to. Dr. Rinaldi will recommend the mouth guard most suited to your needs.
Hard Mouth Guards
Hard night guards are made from acrylic and are very durable as they are usually made for severe teeth grinding. However, they often need to be ordered through a dentist, like Dr. Rinaldi, since they require you to get teeth impressions for a perfect fit. Dr. Rinaldi can make them comfortable to wear as they are custom made.
Contact Rinaldi Dental Arts
If you need a mouth guard for bruxism or sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with Rinaldi Dental Arts today. We will create a custom-fit oral appliance that is comfortable and effective. We can also check for and repair any damage caused by sleep bruxism. Schedule an appointment today.
