Occlusal Guard
Bruxism (teeth grinding) may have you waking up with a sore jaw, tooth pain, or a headache most mornings. Stopping it can be challenging, but a custom occlusal guard can protect your teeth from the damaging effects.
Bruxism often occurs during sleep and can lead to various dental issues, including:
Tooth Wear: Grinding and clenching can wear down the surfaces of the teeth over time, leading to tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities.
Jaw Pain: Bruxism can cause tension in the jaw muscles, leading to pain and discomfort, as well as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Headaches: The excessive forces generated during teeth grinding can contribute to headaches, especially in the morning.
Disrupted Sleep: Bruxism can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to fatigue and other related issues.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a medical term that refers to the habit of grinding, gnashing, or clenching one’s teeth. This condition can occur both during the day (awake bruxism) and at night (sleep bruxism). Many people may grind their teeth occasionally without significant consequences, but chronic and severe bruxism can lead to various dental and health issues.
The exact causes of bruxism are not always clear, but factors such as stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, sleep disorders, and lifestyle factors may contribute to its development. Symptoms of bruxism include:
Teeth grinding or clenching: Often loud enough to be heard by others or during sleep.
Flattened, worn down, or chipped teeth: Due to the constant friction and pressure.
Increased tooth sensitivity: Resulting from the wearing down of tooth enamel.
Jaw pain or soreness: Especially in the morning.
Headaches: Particularly around the temples.
Facial pain: Affecting the muscles around the jaw.
Using and Caring for Your Guard
We will provide specific instructions on when and how long to wear your occlusal night guard. Typically, it is worn overnight during sleep to prevent teeth grinding and clenching.
When inserting your occlusal night guard, use gentle pressure and ensure it fits comfortably over your teeth. Avoid biting down forcefully or using excessive force during insertion or removal to prevent damage to the guard or your teeth.
Clean your occlusal night guard thoroughly before and after each use with warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush. After cleaning, store it in a sturdy, ventilated container provided by your dentist.