Night Guard for Bruxism: Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Bruxism is a medical term that describes grinding or clenching of the teeth. Bruxism usually happens at night but it can also occur during the day. People who clench or grind their teeth often end up with chipped or excessively worn teeth. The condition can also cause headaches, jaw pain, and other painful symptoms. The most common remedy for bruxism is a dental night guard.

What Causes Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is characterized as a sleep disorder that causes people to clench or grind their teeth while they sleep. Several factors can contribute to bruxism. They include snoring, stress, anxiety, and certain neurological disorders. If you suffer from teeth grinding, you need to consult a dentist for a proper diagnosis. Finding out the root cause of the problem is the first step in getting the treatment you need. 

Using a Night Guard

A nightguard helps keep the teeth from grinding. There are different types of night guards to suit different needs. Your dentist can fit you with a nightguard that is customized to fit your teeth. Full-size dental guards are quite costly and they are molded to suit each patient. 

You can also get nightguards that you can mold yourself and use to protect against broken and chipped teeth. The bite mouth guards are made from different materials and they are available online and in retail stores. The cost of night guards will depend on the design or type.

Choosing Night Guards

When looking for the best night guard, you need to think about the materials. The texture of the material is very important for teeth grinders. The material’s hardness will determine the comfort. Guards that are made using hard materials can be very uncomfortable. On the other hand, those that are too soft can encourage grinding and can cause jaw pain. Look for a nightguard that will work effectively while offering comfort. You can talk to your dentist about the best guard for your needs.

Comfortable Design

The best night guards are designed to be comfortable. This makes it easier to wear the guard all night. Thanks to the custom fit, you can sleep with the guard while breathing easily. The best designs can be re-molded to offer a great fit. This means that if the initial fit is not too comfortable, you can remodel it. 

High-quality materials are easy on the teeth and they do not cause gum and tooth irritation. The materials offer durability and maximum comfort. Nightguards vary widely in cost depending on the type that you choose.

Bruxism Relief Techniques 

Apart from wearing a nightguard, there are other things that you can do to stop grinding your teeth. Try to relax before you go to bed at night. This will help relieve some factors that hinder effective sleep. A relaxing bath, daily exercise, and meditation before sleep can reduce bruxism. Dealing with the cause of stress or anxiety is vital. 

A night guard will help protect against broken or chipped teeth. The guard can also reduce symptoms of clenching and grinding. You can save your teeth by wearing the device every night.

To know more about teeth grinding and clenching, visit Attuned Dental Care at our office in Milpitas, California. You can also call 408-263-3090 to book an appointment today.