Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treatment
SRD on Helton Drive in Florence, AL
 Night mouth guards, also known as nocturnal bite guards or nightguards, are crucial for individuals dealing with bruxism (teeth grinding) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
These custom-fitted appliances are worn during sleep to prevent the harmful effects of clenching and grinding, which can lead to tooth damage, jaw pain, headaches, and other complications over time.
By providing a barrier between the teeth, night mouth guards help protect against excessive wear, reduce discomfort, and promote better sleep quality for those affected by these conditions. They also help prevent the need for restorative dental work like fillings, crowns, or even root canals, making them a cost-effective preventive solution.
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Understanding Bruxism and Its Impact
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, affects millions of people, often without them even knowing it. Many individuals grind or clench their teeth during sleep; this is called sleep bruxism. Individuals are often unaware of the condition until symptoms arise or a dentist notices signs of wear. Some individuals may also experience awake bruxism, when they grind or clench their teeth throughout the day.
Common symptoms of of bruxism include chipped or flattened teeth, jaw pain, frequent headaches, and ear discomfort.
Left untreated, bruxism can cause more serious issues, such as cracked teeth, enamel erosion, and TMJ disorders. Stress management techniques are often recommended as a first solution for bruxism treatment.
TMJ Disorder (TMD)
TMJ disorder (TMD), which involves discomfort or dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, can also lead to teeth clenching and grinding. For those with TMJ issues, night mouth guards can help reduce jaw pressure, alleviate pain, and protect against further damage to the teeth and jaw joint.
Often the cause of the TMJ disorder may not be clear; however, the pain from the illness occurs if the articulation disk is dislodged or if the cartilage is damaged due to arthritis. A blow or injury to the face could also result in TMJ pain. Pain medications help ease the discomfort. Anti-anxiety medications and muscle relaxants, as well as antidepressants, help ease TMJ disorder.
A dentist may recommend a dental prosthesis like a mouth guard or occlusal splint to correct dental misalignment and reduce contact between your lower and upper teeth. Mouth guards worn at night are especially beneficial to patients also suffering from bruxism.
Avoiding extreme jaw joint movements also helps relieve pressure on the joint. Trigger point and Botox injections are pain relievers and muscle relaxants that help reduce inflammation of the jaw joint.
Night Mouth Guards
Types of Night Mouth Guards
There are several types of night mouth guards available, each suited to different levels and severity of teeth grinding or clenching.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Night Mouth Guards
OTC night mouth guards are widely available at most pharmacies and are generally the most affordable option. Made from soft materials and available in standard sizes, these guards offer easy accessibility but limited comfort and protection. Since they are not custom-fit, they may feel bulky or uncomfortable and can shift during sleep.
Boil-and-Bite Night Mouth Guards
Boil-and-bite night mouth guards provide a semi-custom fit and are a step up from basic OTC options. These guards are softened in hot water and then molded to the user's teeth, creating a closer fit than standard OTC guards. While more comfortable than stock night guards, they may not offer the same durability or snugness as custom-fitted options.
Custom-Fitted Night Mouth Guards
Custom-fitted night guards are created by a dentist to match the exact shape of a patient's teeth and bite. Offering maximum comfort, durability, and protection, custom night guards are particularly effective for those with moderate to severe bruxism or TMJ disorders. The precision fit and increased effectiveness makes them the top choice for those in need of reliable protection.
Caring for a Night Mouth Guard
Proper care is essential to maintain the hygiene and durability of a night mouthguard. After each use, rinse the guard with cool water, and occasionally clean it with mild soap and a soft toothbrush. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the material. Store the night guard in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth, and bring it to regular dental appointments so your dentist can check for wear and ensure it still fits well.
Night Mouth Guard Benefits
A night mouth guard keeps your teeth safe from any damage while also avoiding plaque buildup. A night mouth guard is not the same as a sports mouth guard.
A sports mouth guard protects your teeth and gums from injuries, while a night mouth guard prevents teeth clenching and grinding. Please don't wear a sports mouth guard at night because it prevents saliva from reaching the gums and retains bacteria on the gums' surface. Saliva is essential in the mouth because it aids in the neutralization of acids that might cause cavities. Saliva also aids plaque prevention by washing the mouth of all meal particles.
Most night mouth guards have perforations that allow saliva to reach the teeth and gums. To avoid damaging your teeth, consult with your dentist about the finest night mouth guard to buy. Wearing night mouth guards can help avoid chronic headaches.
One of the most prevalent symptoms of bruxism is a severe headache, which is caused by stretched muscles in the shoulders, neck, lips, and jaws. A custom-made night mouth guard can help prevent chronic headaches by preventing the tension.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
When all other remedies fail, surgery may be recommended, including arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, and open joint surgery.
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Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure where needles are inserted into the jaw joint region and sterile liquids are injected into the inflamed region to wash it out.
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Arthroscopy involves making a minor incision on the facial part in front of your ears under general sedation. The dental surgeon then slips in a tiny instrument that examines the TMJ region and provides a visual to enable the dentist to remove diseased tissue and dislodge a misplaced joint disc.
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Open joint surgery is a complicated treatment procedure for TMJ disorders and involves making a large incision under general sedation to expose the jaw joint and surrounding tissue and bone. This procedure results when there are tumors, bone chips after a fracture, or a worn-out jaw joint bone. Regardless of its complications, risks, and lengthy recovery, TMJ disorders, in some instances, require this procedure to eradicate them. |
Contact Your Dentists on Helton Dr in Florence, AL Today!
Night mouth guards are mainly used by people who grind their teeth at night. Bruxism is the state of teeth clenching or grinding your teeth. This is usually an unpleasant and undesirable circumstance since it damages your teeth. The worst aspect of bruxism is that there is no cure; thus, the best remedy is to wear a night mouthguard. Do you suffer from bruxism? Contact Singing River Dentistry to acquire a night mouth guard for optimal protection.
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