Night Guard /Teethclenching

Bruxism is a habit whereby an individual grinds ones teeth and typically includes the clenching of the jaw. It commonly occurs during sleep and for some during waking hours while conscious attention is distracted. It occurs in most humans at some time in their lives. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can lead to many long lasting problems.

Over the years, the teeth will get worn down so much that the teeth’s nerves eventually start to getting exposed, causing severe pain which can only be treated with root canal treatments or by carrying out extractions.

Over time, bruxism can cause dental damage and abnormal tooth wear patterns since this repetitive movement abrades the tooth structure and can lead to the wearing down of the cutting edges of the front teeth and the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Eventually this will cause dental pain and tooth sensitivity, pain from the jaw’s joint (TMJ pain) and headaches from the muscles which cause the clenching of the jaws.

Symptoms:

• Teeth Grinding
• Damaged Enamel
• Tooth sensitivity
• TMJ Disorder
• Sore Jaw and Clicking Sound In The Jaw
• Sticking Or Locking Of The Jaw
• Headache
• Neck and upper shoulder pains
• Sleep Apnea (some believe sleep apnea is the etiology behind bruxism and vice versa).
• Loosened Fillings

Most of Indians go on to develop symptoms, such as jaw pain and headaches. A sleeping partner or parent may notice the behavior first.

• Exercises (hardly found beneficial in bruxism patients)
• Cold and hot fomentations
• Relaxing baths
• Splints (innumerable types)
• Psychological therapies
• Long acting lateral Pterygoid blocks
• There are many other treatment options also proposed but our aim is not to dig out the facts that are already known.

Stabilization splints can prevent and/or reduce the intensity of jaw clenching while you sleep, which can minimize headaches and create a variety of other benefits as,

• Reduces teeth grinding and abnormal muscle contractions by nearly 70%
• Doesn’t trigger your gag reflex
• Costs less and has fewer side effects than prescription drugs
• Allows you to avoid the need for tooth repair due to jaw clenching and teeth grinding in your sleep

Are stabilization splints the answer to your headache nightmares? Talk to our Dentist to see if stabilization splints can help you live a happier, more pain-free life.

The purpose of a Dental Night Guard is to hold the jaw in a neutral position. While in this position the top teeth will not come into contact with the lower teeth. Since everyone’s mouth is different, Bharath Dental Clinic, in Jayanagar Bangalore, believes that each patient should get the individual treatment they need. This includes discussing the options of different types of teeth grinding night guards, to taking an impression of the teeth to ensure a perfect fit.