Night Guards and Bruxism Treatment
Dentist Escondido
 Do you ever wake up with a sore jaw or a persistent headache? You might be experiencing the effects of bruxism, a common condition that involves grinding, clenching, or gnashing of the teeth, often without realizing it. Bruxism can occur while you're awake or asleep and, if left untreated, may lead to serious dental issues such as tooth wear, a chipped tooth, fractures, and jaw disorders. When you come in and see us at Robert J. Malone DDS we can fit you for a night guard Escondido, CA to protect your teeth and jaw.
What Is Bruxism? Understanding Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Bruxism is a movement related disorder that causes frequent gnashing, grinding, or teeth clenching. People may unconsciously clench or grind their teeth while asleep, a condition called sleep bruxism. Most cases of bruxism are mild, and treatment might be unnecessary. Those who suffer from severe bruxism can develop jaw disorders, tooth damage, migraines, and other dental issues.
A night guard in Escondido CA can prevent damage to the teeth for a person who clenches or grinds their teeth during sleep. Mouth guards can vary in quality depending on the material. If you suffer from bruxism, it is important that it is treated properly, with a prescribed mouth guard. Over the counter mouth guards can be poorly fitting and make symptoms worse. They can potentially lead to orthodontic issues and eroded teeth enamel due to saliva building up in the guard. Schedule a consultation our dentist and we can recommend what type of mouthguard Escondido, CA is right for you after a thorough dental examination.
What Causes Bruxism?
Bruxism can be caused by a combination of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Here are some of the most common causes:
Stress and Anxiety
Emotional stress is one of the leading causes of bruxism, particularly during sleep. People who are dealing with anxiety, tension, frustration, or anger may unconsciously clench or grind their teeth as a coping mechanism.
Malocclusion (Misaligned Bite)
An improper bite or crooked teeth can cause the jaw to sit unevenly, leading to bruxism as the mouth attempts to align itself.
Lifestyle Factors
Certain habits and substances can increase the risk of bruxism. Examples include caffeine, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use.
Medications and Medical Conditions
Some medications, particularly certain antidepressants, have been associated with bruxism. It may also be related to neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or Huntington's disease.
Personality Type
People with aggressive, competitive, or hyperactive personalities may be more prone to bruxism.
Genetics
Bruxism can run in families. If you have a parent or sibling with bruxism, you may be more likely to experience it too.
Sleep Bruxism and its Relation to Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A two year study was published in 2019 by The Department of Internal and Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology in Wroclaw Poland. It was researching the relation between sleep bruxism and obstructive sleep apnea. The results are mild to moderate sleep apnea is associated with sleep bruxism in the group of patients with increased risk for sleep apnea, also diabetes could be a new risk factor for sleep bruxism.
In theory, sleep bruxism can be triggered by sleep apnea as the brain's means of getting more oxygen during sleep. Studies show that wearing a night guard can potentially correct sleep apnea and sleep bruxism. Over-the-counter mouth guards and homemade mouth guards, can be damaging in the long term. These guards are not designed to drain saliva properly and are poorly fitting, potentially leading to misalignment of the teeth and jaw, and buildup of plaque.
The Importance of Treating Bruxism Early
Avoiding your sleep bruxism can lead to permanent damage to the layers of your teeth, wearing them down and flattening them. At its most severe, the grinding can expose the pulp and nerve of the tooth. This causes severe tooth pain and sensitivity to temperature.
Teeth grinding and clenching can crack teeth, making tooth decay more rapid. Loss of teeth and recession of the gums are also common side effects.
Clenching your teeth while you sleep can cause pain in the jaw muscles. You may feel soreness in the temples or tightness in your jaw. Prolonged clenching or extended tension in the jaw can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder(TMJ). People who experience TMJ report symptoms of jaw pain, jaw popping, headaches, or face and neck pain.
How Night Guards Help Protect Your Teeth
Custom-fitted mouthguards are highly recommended for their superior comfort and protection. Designed to fit each individual's mouth, these mouthguards stay securely in place, enabling the individual to breathe and communicate easily without discomfort. This precise fit also enhances protection by covering more of the teeth and gums, reducing the risk of injury.
Additionally, custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials that withstand impact and last longer than standard options, making them the ideal choice.
Types of Dental Night Guards We Offer
Choosing the appropriate mouthguard or night guard is key to ensuring effective protection. Custom-fitted devices offer better comfort and effectiveness than over-the-counter options, which are not tailored to the unique alignment and shape of each individual's teeth. A well-fitted appliance not only offers superior protection but also ensures better comfort for daily or nightly wear. We will fit you for a night guard and then determine which type is best for you. Night guards typically cover either the top or bottom teeth. For individuals with severe teeth grinding, we will use a harder plastic, to better protect the teeth.
How to Care for a Mouthguard
To keep a mouthguard effective and hygienic, proper care is essential. After each use, rinse the mouthguard with cool water, and occasionally clean it with mild soap and a soft toothbrush. Storing the mouthguard in a ventilated case allows for air circulation, helping prevent bacterial buildup. Regularly inspect the mouthguard for signs of wear and replace it when necessary to maintain its protective qualities.
How to Know if You Have Sleep Bruxism
If you are questioning whether or not you have sleep bruxism consider visiting Robert J. Malone DDS for a dental exam. By consulting with us, any signs of clenching or grinding, or a chipped tooth in Escondido, CA will be visibly noticeable to the dentist. There are also at home sleep apnea tests that you can receive from your doctor. After a dental exam, the dentist can better recommend the appropriate type of mouthguard Escondido CA that would be appropriate to treat your bruxism. Call us today to schedule a consultation at (760) 546-5557. |
