Beat Bruxism

Bruxism, including jaw clenching and teeth grinding is a very common condition, affecting both adults and children. Although teeth grinding can occur during the day, most often it occurs during sleep. Some dentists treat the problem with a dental night guard, whether used on the upper or lower teeth to create a cushion between the teeth to prevent grinding.

Teeth grinding can occur due to stress, or in children due to the development of teeth. In adults and children jaw muscles contract and the upper and lower teeth slide several times, or grind over each other. The problems associated with this disease, are jaw and ear pain, including damage to the jaw joint, headaches and tooth damage.

There are some materials that a dental night guard can be made of, including plastic and acrylic. Both materials work, although acrylic guards tend to be less flexible and can fit in place better, preventing grinding more effectively. However, they are often more expensive than a plastic protector.

Despite a dental night guard can be purchased without a prescription, and are therefore not effective, some guards can be custom made to fit comfortably. Because the guard is particularly has to fit perfectly for the mouth of an individual, a non-cutom guard can be uncomfortable. Most dentists do not recommend this type of guard.

Dental night guards which are to be measured at home are also sold in pharmacies and online. They are usually plastic. The guard is placed in boiling water to make it workable. As soon as it cools to prevent burns in the mouth, an individual puts his upper or lower teeth and leave it there for several minutes. As it cools, the device itself molds in the shape of the person’s teeth.

To get the best choice for a night guard,it is recommend that a dentist would fit the night guard. The dentist takes an impression of the patient’s teeth and a guard would be custom made to fit the person’s teeth. Children may need to get a new mold made periodically due to growth in the mouth.

For dental night guard to help reduce the problems associated with teeth grinding, it is important to wear it every night. Some people may stop grinding their teeth overtime and the device is not necessary anymore. Especially children tend to outgrow gnashing of teeth. To maintain the device it should be cleaned every time and it should be brushed using toothpaste and rinsed thoroughly.

Why would someone wear a dental night guard;

People use night guard for many different reasons. One reason is to prevent grinding. People who grind their teeth tend to have problems with pain in the jaw. Clenching can cause neck and ear pain.

Most importantly, a night guard protects the tooth surface from becoming flattened due to clenching and grinding. Many patients suffering from TMJ also wear a night guard. This helps avoid locking of the jaw during the night. It also helps keep the mouth slightly open.

Some people may use a dental night guard because their partner is a light sleeper. Teeth grinding may sound like nails on a chalkboard to some people. A night guard can help keep the noise of grinding teeth down and allow the couple to sleep better.

What are the different types of dental night guards;

there are several different brands of dental night guards in the market. This makes it easier for consumers to find a guard that works well for them. Some of the night guards are only a form of plastic parts. Others are molded to the teeth of a person. Some of them just bite and let it harden and others you may have to boil it first so it become gentle to take the shape of the teeth.

Can children wear mouth guards at night;

Children can wear dental night guards if their dentist thinks is necessary. A local drug store night guards may be available in sizes for children. The best way to find out who carries them is to call around a couple of different stores. Many times these dental night guards come in fun colors to make them more kid-friendly.

A dentist may also be able to order a smaller size of dental night guard. A dentist will also be able to make a night guard for a child. It is important that children have a comfortable night guard or they just will not use it.

Caring for a dental night guard;

Caring for a night guard is easy. It should be sanitized in the morning after use. The guards used during the night can also be brushed with a toothbrush and toothpaste to prevent accumulation of bacteria. It may also be useful to leave a night guard in Listerine for 30-60 seconds to kill the bacteria. It is important not to let the night guard in the Listerine for long time as the color of Listerine can stain the mouth guard.