Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that can cause a variety of oral health problems. Night guards are a proven way to protect your teeth and jaw from the damage caused by bruxism.
The Impact of Teeth Grinding
When you grind your teeth, you apply a significant amount of force to your teeth and jaw. This can cause your teeth to wear down, chip, or even crack. In severe cases, teeth grinding can lead to the loss of teeth. Bruxism can also cause temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), a condition that affects the jaw joint. TMJ can cause pain in the jaw, face, and head.
The Role of Night Guards
Night guards work by creating a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This prevents your teeth from grinding against each other and causing damage. Night guards are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly, so they are comfortable to wear and effective at protecting your teeth.
Benefits of Night Guards
- Damage protection: Night guards can help protect your teeth from the damage caused by grinding and clenching. This includes wear and tear, chipping, and cracking.
- Pain relief: Night guards can help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with bruxism. They do this by reducing the strain on your jaw muscles.
- Improved sleep: Night guards can help improve sleep quality by reducing the symptoms of bruxism. This is because bruxism can often disrupt sleep.
- Cost-effectiveness: Night guards are a cost-effective way to protect your teeth from the damage caused by bruxism. The cost of treating the consequences of severe bruxism, such as tooth replacement or repairing a damaged tooth, can be significant. Investing in a good quality night guard is a preventative measure that can save you from high dental bills in the future.
Wearing a Night Guard
Once you have received your night guard, it is important to wear it every night. The guard should be worn as soon as you go to bed, and it should be removed in the morning. If you find that the guard is uncomfortable, you can try adjusting it or wearing it for shorter periods of time.
Cleaning and Caring for Your Night Guard
You should clean your night guard regularly with an anti-bacterial steriliser. These are available as a tablet and will kill 99.9% of harmful bacteria. Over time your night guard may become damaged as a result of your teeth grinding action. Should your night guard become damaged, you should replace it immediately.
Final Thoughts
Night guards are a practical, accessible, and effective solution to keep the damaging effects of teeth grinding at bay. If you grind your teeth, a night guard can be a valuable tool for protecting your teeth and jaw. With proper care, your night guard will last.
Remember, night guards are a preventive measure, not a cure for bruxism. They protect your teeth from further damage but do not stop the grinding itself. If you think you might be suffering from bruxism, it's important to seek professional help to manage the condition and maintain good oral health.
If you find that your bruxism is associated with stress or anxiety, it may be beneficial to combine the use of a night guard with other treatments such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, or even medication in some cases. Bruxism is a multifactorial condition, and a comprehensive approach to treatment usually yields the best results.
Snorblok provides an extensive range of night guards for managing the effects of bruxism. The range includes both moldable and adjustable mouth guards and in sizes to suit adults and children.