Night Guard for Bruxism: Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Teeth grinding and clenching, also known as Bruxism, is pretty standard and can be painful and destructive to teeth. Bruxism is fairly common, and some may not even know their grinding. Some Bruxism symptoms you may suffer from are:

– Teeth grinding
– Waking up with dull headaches
– Jaw soreness
– Facial pain
– Fatigue from lack of sleep

Occasional teeth grinding may not cause any real concerns, but long-term, consistent Bruxism can lead to broken teeth, loss of tooth enamel, and in severe cases, loss of teeth.

The exact cause is unknown, but it’s believed that stress and anxiety play the most significant role. Other causes may also be alcohol use, cigarettes, caffeine, sleep apnea, snoring, an abnormal bite, and crooked teeth.

Night Guards

Most cases of Bruxism can easily be treated by wearing a night guard for teeth while you sleep. Night guards for teeth are also known as dental guards, sports mouth guards, nocturnal bite plates, or bite splints. They work by putting a barrier between your teeth. When you clench your jaw, the night guard for teeth helps lighten the tension and give a cushion to the muscles in the jaw. This cushioning helps prevent face and jaw pain and protects the enamel of your teeth. They look very similar to snoring remedies.

Night guards for teeth can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription, as well as straight from the dentist or cost-effectively from a specialized online retailer. There are a few different ways they can be fitted, and the type that will work best for you depends on your individual needs.

Types of Night Guards

Soft Night Guard

This is the most commonly used night guard for teeth to treat Bruxism and is used mainly for mild or occasional cases, not for severe teeth grinders.

PROS:

– Most comfortable fit of all the night guards
– Most adaptable/easy to get used to
– Usually lower cost

CONS:

– Some people unintentionally clench on to or chew the soft material
– Not as durable/limited lifespan