Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is an exceedingly common habit that can affect individuals of all ages. Clenching and grinding the teeth often occurs in times of stress and anxiety, as well as unintentionally while patients are asleep. Waking up with a sore or aching jaw can be a sign of teeth grinding and clenching, which may culminate in a range of jaw-related dysfunctions — such as TMJ disorder — when left untreated.
Fortunately, bruxism and teeth clenching can be easily improved, or even eliminated, without surgery, anesthesia, or invasive treatment. Cosmetic dentist Mark Griffiths, DDS can evaluate your concerns and talk to you about a customized mouthguard, night guard, or performance wear to protect your teeth against bruxism, clenching, and sports injuries. These custom-fitted appliances can safeguard your smile against unnecessary damage and ensure your teeth look youthful and beautiful for as long as possible.
- Bruxism Consequences
- Teeth Grinding Treatment Benefits
- Mouthguards & Night Guards
- Athletic Performance Wear
- Types of Mouthguards
What are the Consequences of Teeth Grinding?
Bruxism (teeth grinding) can cause moderate to severe long-term damage to the teeth. Constant grinding wears down the surface of the tooth, exposing the soft dentin beneath the enamel. Some of the damage that can occur often includes:
- Chipped teeth
- Tooth flattening and tooth wear
- Cracked tooth enamel
- Cracked, loose or broken fillings
- Tooth loss
- Gum recession
- Tooth collapse
Grinding your teeth can even cause a root fracture below the gum line, which requires a root canal and crown placement to restore the damaged tooth. While prevention through mouthguards and nightguards is the best way to minimize damage from bruxism, Griffiths Smiles offers many different services to repair the effects of teeth grinding, including porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, and other effective restorations.
What are the Benefits of Mouthguards, Night Guards, and Performance Wear?
Protective mouth wear can offer several benefits to your smile and oral health, especially if you’re prone to teeth grinding and clenching or if you have jaw joint dysfunction caused by TMD. While the advantages vary based on your unique needs, custom-fitted mouthguards, night guards, and performance wear often provide:
- Improved longevity for your smile
- Less need for restorative dentistry in the future, such as porcelain crowns and veneers
- Protection against sports-related injuries
- Reduced risk of wear and tear on the teeth
- Less likelihood of infections and other complications related to cracks, chips, and fractures in the enamel
Protecting your smile is of the utmost importance, especially as you grow older. Based on the unique symptoms you’re experiencing, Dr. Griffiths can help determine the best solution to restore your teeth to proper form and function.
Mouthguards & Night Guards
A mouthguard or night guard can be extremely effective in mitigating the wear and tear caused by clenching and grinding your teeth. This protective appliance can be critical for patients who play contact sports or who are likely to experience a blow to the face. Mouthguards are not only essential when playing sports and recreational activities, but they can also help individuals who grind their teeth in their sleep. If your teeth and/or jaw are sore upon waking up, this can be an indication that you grind/clench your teeth while asleep. A custom-fitted night guard can prevent damage from bruxism, saving you the time, expense, and discomfort of restorative dentistry treatments in the future.
Performance Wear for Athletes
A custom mouthguard can be essential for athletes, as well as patients who play contact sports or do activities with a high likelihood of suffering a blow to the face. Sports-related injuries can not only cause destruction to your teeth and smile, but they may even cause tooth loss and other serious dental concerns. Wearing a mouthguard can vastly reduce the risk of unnecessary damage to your smile, not to mention lower the likelihood of painful soft-tissue injuries. Dr. Griffiths would be happy to discuss performance wear options for athletes and individuals who participate in sports and other recreational activities.
What are the Different Types of Mouthguards?
There are several mouthguard options for patients who grind and clench their teeth. Some types of mouthguards provide better results than others and Dr. Griffiths would be happy to recommend the most ideal type of restoration for your needs. Mouthguard options designed to prevent bruxism include:
- Custom-crafted to your measurements: A customized mouthguard or night guard designed by a cosmetic dentist like Dr. Griffiths is highly recommended for patients who experience damage from teeth grinding and clenching. This is by far the most form-fitting, long-lasting, and effective type of mouthguard available. Since the appliance is custom-crafted to your specific bite and measurements, patients usually report that these mouthguards are the most comfortable and enduring when compared to other options.
- Ready-to-wear stock mouthguards: A stock mouthguard is typically found at your local drugstore in one-size-fits-all variations. While they’re not custom-fitted, a stock mouthguard can still provide some protection against bruxism. However, patients often describe them as bulky and ill-fitting.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards: “Boil-and-bite” mouthguards are semi-customized to your bite, but they’re not crafted by a cosmetic dentist. Found at many sporting stores and drugstores, boil-and-bite mouthguards are softened in boiled water and inserted into the mouth to conform to your bite.
The best mouthguard is one that has been custom-made for your mouth by a dentist. However, if you can’t afford a custom-fitted mouthguard, you should still wear a stock mouthguard or a boil-and-bite mouthguard from the drugstore. Give us a call at (619) 298-6257 to learn more about your options.