Chronic jaw clenching and grinding one’s teeth is called bruxism. While it can happen any time of day, it often occurs at night causing an individual to wake up with any number of symptoms including jaw pain, headaches, and sore teeth that may feel loose. Although, stress and anxiety are the most common causes of bruxism there may be other contributing factors such as a sleep disorder, an abnormal bite, as well as teeth that are missing or poorly aligned.
To alleviate the symptoms of bruxism, wearing a night guard while sleeping is frequently recommended. This appliance is designed to fit over the teeth and to keep the jaws slightly apart. Wearing a night guard prevents a number of damaging events, including muscle strain, excessive pressure on the jaw joint (the TMJ), and such dental damage as chipped or cracked teeth resulting from the teeth grinding against each other.
In addition to preventing damage to the soft and hard tissues surrounding the orofacial cavity, a custom night guard fabricated at the dental office can help curb a bruxism habit and give the wearer a better night’s sleep.
Bruxism is the clinical term for chronic jaw clenching and grinding of the teeth. It can happen at any time of day, but it often occurs at night while you are asleep — which is why many people are unaware they are doing it.
Because grinding frequently happens during sleep, the first signs are usually noticed on waking. These can include jaw pain, headaches, and sore teeth that may feel loose.
Stress and anxiety are the most common causes. Other contributing factors can include a sleep disorder, an abnormal bite, and teeth that are missing or poorly aligned.
A night guard is designed to fit over the teeth and keep the jaws slightly apart while you sleep. That prevents a number of damaging events, including muscle strain, excessive pressure on the jaw joint (the TMJ), and dental damage such as chipped or cracked teeth caused by the teeth grinding against each other.
A night guard fabricated at the dental office is made to fit your own teeth and bite. In addition to preventing damage to the soft and hard tissues surrounding the orofacial cavity, a custom night guard can help curb a bruxism habit and give the wearer a better night’s sleep.
It can take a little time to get used to wearing an appliance overnight. If your guard feels uncomfortable, or your bite does not feel right when you wake, contact the office so the fit can be checked and adjusted.
Rinse the guard after each use, clean it as directed, and store it dry in its case. Bring it along to your routine checkups so we can review the fit and check it for wear.
