There are many advantages to wearing a teeth grinding guard at night. Most people don’t even know they’re wearing one. Some people will notice your teeth grinding noise and may complain to you. Other people may just be bothered by the noises your teeth make when you’re asleep. If you’re worried that anyone might notice, here are a few tips that will help you wear your teeth grinding guard without anyone noticing.
Bruxism is caused by teeth grinding or clenching at night
If you’re constantly clenching your teeth at night, you may suffer from bruxism. While some people experience bruxism due to physical malalignment, most of the time it’s caused by stress and anxiety. Bruxism can open up your airway by pulling your jaw forward or shifting it sideways. Although your dentist may not know about this problem, you can take steps to manage your stress and stop grinding your teeth at night.
Alternative treatments for bruxism
If you suffer from bruxism, alternative treatments can help you overcome the problem. Teeth grinding can lead to dental issues, such as TMJ and TMD, which are disorders of the jaw joint. The constant grinding of the teeth can lead to wear and tear on the teeth, exposing the deeper layers to cavities. In addition, worn-down teeth can be painful, particularly to hot or cold temperatures. You may also develop jaw muscles fatigue.
Symptoms of bruxism
If you have been experiencing the pain and chipping of your teeth, it is time to consider wearing a teeth grinding guard. Not only does this prevent damage to your teeth, it can also protect your jaw from further problems, including Temporomandibular Joint Disorders. Even more severe, it can lead to fractures and a wear-out of the discs inside the joint.
Signs and symptoms of a teeth grinding guard
You’re probably curious if it’s possible to wear a teeth grinding guard without anyone noticing that you’re doing it. Although they’re known by several names, these devices are incredibly useful in helping people avoid the negative effects of teeth grinding, including snoring, clicking noises, and tossing and turning in bed. Here’s what you can expect from your guard.
Types of teeth grinding guards
Whether you need a mouth guard for light to heavy grinding or you want to avoid a noticeable appearance, there are several different types of teeth grinding guards to choose from. Many drugstores sell boil-and-bite mouth guards. Boil-and-bite guards are made of a flexible material that can be softened in a microwave and molded to fit your mouth. Once the material has cooled, you can trim it and keep it in place. Several types of boil-and-bite guards are available in drugstores and online. Those designed for light-to-moderate grinding should go with a soft guard, while heavy-to-medium grinding should get a hard mouth guard.
Cost of a teeth grinding guard
A teeth grinding guard is a comfortable way to protect your back teeth from excessive wear and tear. These products are usually made from PETG, TPU, or EVA material. Most dentists use thermoplastic materials to manufacture these products, which last up to ten years. However, the cost of such devices can be high. Depending on the material used, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,500.
Other options for a teeth grinding guard
While there are plenty of prescription-grade mouth guards, there are some OTC options, too. The boil-and-bite guard, available at drugstores, is the most common type. This simple device melts in the microwave, molds itself to your mouth, and then can be trimmed to fit. Dr. Huang recommends it for mild to moderate bruxers, as well as beginners.