People of any age can suffer from teeth clenching, teeth grinding or bruxism. It is most frequently caused by stress, anxiety, pent-up frustrations, or improper teeth alignment. Since teeth grinding is a subconscious activity, it is difficult to prevent; however, a night mouth guard is one of the easiest and most useful tools to reduce side-effects.
A night mouth guard is a pad or protective device that surrounds the teeth. It usually covers either the top or the bottom row of teeth; only rarely do people need one for both rows. Its purpose is to keep the top teeth from grinding against the bottom. It is an instant fix to teeth grinding or teeth clenching.
A night guard can be ordered from a dentist or orthodontist, or it can purchased over-the-counter from a drug store. There are a few factors to consider before purchasing one from either source:
- It should fit comfortably. If it is purchased from a drug store, it will not fit as well as a night mouth guard purchased from a dentist. A dentist will custom-make one so that it forms to teeth and gums perfectly. However, there are drug store brands that can be boiled and then formed inside the mouth to create a custom fit — often nearly as good as one purchased from the dentist or orthodontist.
- It should be made of a durable material, yet it should be soft inside the mouth. Strong plastic or rubber are great options. Typically, the more expensive the guard is, the more durable and soft it will be.
- When possible, use a night guard that has a double wall. It will fit better and last longer than a single wall night guard.
Using a night mouth guard is important for several reasons. For one, it will protect the enamel of your teeth. It will also prevent chipped teeth — a symptom of bruxism. In addition, the mouth guard will help prevent headaches and pains in the jaw — other symptoms of bruxism. One of the best reasons to wear a mouth guard at night is to provide a great night’s sleep, free from the effects of teeth grinding.
It is important to discuss all options with a reputable dentist or orthodontist. Although in many cases, a night mouth guard may be the perfect solution, in other cases, there are better solutions — such as hypnotherapy or behavior management classes. Only an open line of communication will resolve the problem and prevent deeper issues from forming.
