If you suffer from severe headaches or jaw pain, but have never experienced painful jaws, bruxism could be the cause. Bruxism describes a condition in that you grind, clench and gnash the teeth. When you do it awake, it is known as awake bruxism. Patients who sleep clench or grind teeth in their sleep are called sleep bruxism. Stress is one of many causes of bruxism. Healthline says that stress is a major cause of bruxism. The Covid-19 pandemic put pressure on people’s finances and has led to more cases. In America, Israel, and Poland, teeth grinding, clenching, and other forms of stress are increasing.
According to an Israeli and Polish study, daytime teeth grinding has gone up from 17% to 32% since the outbreak of the pandemic. Night teeth grinding has gone up from 10% – 36% respectively. The effects of bruxism such as headaches and insomnia are most common at night. Unfortunately, there’s no known cure. You can eliminate the negative effects of bruxism by wearing a night guard, even though it can be difficult to treat the root causes.
What is Nightguard?
A night guard is a small, retainer-like piece of plastic. It can be soft or hard. It covers the biting areas and can be worn either on the bottom or the top set of the teeth. Nightguards are custom-made for patients with different teeth. They can be molded to fit your teeth without being bulky or uncomfortable. There are many ways to refer to it. For example, dentists may use the terms mouthguard, bite guard, dental guard or nocturnal bit plate when referring to it.
The importance of choosing the right night guard
Prevent Plaque Development
Despite the similarities in their names, it is important not to confuse a sport mouth guard with one designed to prevent teeth grinding and/or clenching. A sports mouthguard can cause more damage than good. It protects the teeth and gums by covering them. The sports mouthguard prevents saliva from reaching the gums, so it can be worn at night.
Saliva can neutralize acids that could cause cavities. It can also wash away food particles which helps prevent plaque from developing. If you are looking for night guards to protect your teeth, consult an oral health professional. Nightguards can have holes in them that allow saliva access to your teeth. The right design will be determined by your dental condition.
Prevent changing your bite
A night guard is fitted to your teeth and bite to protect them from grinding. Sports mouthguards, which are usually made of thicker rubbery material, are designed to fit your bite. You will be more likely to chew when you are asleep because the brain considers softer material food. This can lead to muscle discomfort and premature wear of your mat. Wearing a sports mask at night can cause your bite to change. You would notice a change in your bite after a while.
Types and types of Nightguards
American Sleep Association classifies night guards according to the materials they are made.
Nightguards that are hard to break
They are made out of acrylic and used to treat TMJ disorders and severe tooth grinding and clenching. As muscles relax, the bite changes because the lower jaw is in a healthy centric place. The most durable night guards can be adjusted to adjust your jaw and muscles.
Nightguards can also fall under the following categories:
Over-the-counter
Over-the counter night guards available at drugstores come in one-size-fits all; they can be pre-molded for any mouth. For a more snug fit, you can use the boil-andbite option. They can shift your bite, as they are not designed for your particular teeth.
Custom-made
These provide a customized solution because they are made from the impression of your teeth. Your night guard will be made more comfortable by your dentist who uses only the most professional materials and techniques. They can last several years with the right care and adjustments.
What to Consider when deciding between a Lower and Upper Nightguard
A night guard can be worn on either one set of teeth or both, so you may wonder which option is best to ensure that you are safe from grinding. Here are some factors to consider before making that choice.
Comfort
Uncomfortable night guards will not fit in your mouth as much as you fear wearing them. Keep in mind that you will be sleeping with the device in your face all night. A lower mouthguard will be more comfortable if you do not grind your teeth conscious during the day. It’s less obvious and will not be seen by others. If you have sensitive gag reflexes, a lower night guard might be suitable.
A higher night guard is generally more intrusive, as it is bulkier and larger than the lower.
Teeth condition
You should consider the condition of your teeth when choosing the best night guard. Your custom-made night guards are made from your tooth impressions. It is important that you choose the set with fewer missing teeth or crooked teeth. It will be easier to fit.
These are the Five Most Important Reasons You Should Wear a Nightguard
Prevent teeth damage
Teeth grinding can happen when you’re not at control. This means that your enamel is more likely to be damaged. Over-sensitivity can result from enamel erosion. You may find your mouth is unable to stand hot or cold beverages, food, and drinks. Also, your teeth are more susceptible to decay when there is no enamel to protect them. You are more likely to develop infections if the decay penetrates the hard enamel.
Teeth grinding can also cause injury by damaging a weak tooth and removing any fillings. The teeth’s surfaces can withstand the pressure from chewing and biting but not the added pressure from grinding or clenching. As a result, tooth cracks and fractures can occur. Not only will you feel the pain, but also the need to go to the dentists for treatment. The dentist might be able to do a simple filling. However, there are more complicated treatments such as root canals, crowns and tooth loss. Dental implants or bridges are available to fix tooth loss.
Temporomandibular Joint Disease Preventable
The temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), connects the jaw with the skull. It affects the muscles that are used to chew. The TMJ can be misaligned if you clench or grind your teeth. When misaligned, you develop TMJ dysfunction. TMJ dysfunction is a disorder that causes problems with chewing and pain in the ears. It can also cause headaches. It is possible to damage the articular and cause disc displacement. This can result in your jaw locking up unexpectedly or closing completely, leading to a trip the ER. The night guard reduces tension and prevents the development of this disorder.
How to Prevent Chronic Headaches
TMJ dysfunction causes migraines. This is why chronic headaches and neck aches are common signs of possiblebruxism. Headaches are often caused by tension in the neck, jaw, shoulders, mouth, and jaw. But before you rush to diagnose yourself suffering from bruxism you can confirm that your headaches actually are being caused by teeth grinding. The surface of the teeth can be checked. If the edges of your teeth appear flattened or pointed instead of being pointed, this is an indication that you are likely grinding your teeth at night. A second way is to look out for a receding gum and bone. This can be due to clenching. A night guard made to your specifications will eliminate headaches.
Save Money
Even though a standard-fitting night guard can be purchased for EUR20 it is not recommended. A custom-made night guard for your teeth can cost you around EUR 800. For many patients suffering from bruxism this can seem expensive. You should not let the cost limit your ability to get a night guard. Comparing the cost to get a night guard and restorative dentistry will show that the latter is much cheaper. Restorative Dentistry will only be able to fix your problems if your teeth become damaged or worn. It is expensive to have your teeth filled, replaced with crowns or implants, or to correct your bite.