Mouthguard Bruxism is a movement-related disorder that causes frequent grinding or teeth clenching. People may unconsciously clench or grind their teeth while asleep. Most cases of bruxism are mild, and treatment might be unnecessary. Those who suffer from severe bruxism can develop jaw disorders, tooth damage, migraines, and other dental issues. Mouthguards can prevent damage to the teeth of a person who clenches or grinds their teeth during sleep. Mouthguards can vary in quality depending on the material. If you suffer from bruxism, it must be treated properly, with a prescribed mouthguard. Over-the-counter mouthguards can be poorly fitting and make symptoms worse. They can potentially lead to orthodontic issues and eroded teeth enamel due to saliva building up in the guard. Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at Division Smiles Family Dental. They can recommend what type of mouthguard is right for you after a thorough dental examination. Bruxism and Sleep ApneaIn theory, bruxism can be triggered by sleep apnea as the brain's means of getting more oxygen during sleep. Studies show that wearing a mouthguard can potentially correct sleep apnea and sleep bruxism. Over-the-counter mouthguards and homemade mouthguards can be damaging in the long term. These guards are not designed to drain saliva properly and are poorly fitting, potentially leading to misalignment of the teeth and jaw, and buildup of plaque. A two-year study was published in 2019 by The Department of Internal and Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology in Wroclaw Poland. It was researching the relation between sleep bruxism and obstructive sleep apnea. The results indicated mild to moderate sleep apnea is associated with sleep bruxism in the group of patients tested, with increased risk for sleep apnea. Also diabetes could be a new risk factor for sleep bruxism. Effects of BruxismAvoiding your sleep bruxism can lead to permanent damage to the layers of your teeth, wearing them down and flattening them. At its most severe, the grinding can expose the pulp and nerve of the tooth. This causes severe tooth pain and sensitivity to temperature. Teeth grinding and clenching can crack teeth, making tooth decay more rapid. Loss of teeth and recession of the gums are also common side effects. Clenching your teeth while you sleep can cause pain in the jaw muscles. You may feel soreness in the temples or tightness in your jaw. Prolonged clenching or extended tension in the jaw can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). People who experience TMJ report symptoms of jaw pain, jaw popping, headaches, or face and neck pain. The Signs of Sleep BruxismIf you are questioning whether or not you have sleep bruxism consider visiting Division Smiles Family Dental for a dental exam. By consulting a dentist, any signs of clenching or grinding will be visibly noticeable to a dentist. There are also at-home sleep apnea tests that you can receive from your doctor. After a dental exam, the dentist can better recommend the appropriate type of mouthvguard for your bruxism. Call us today to schedule a consultation at (971) 978-0293. |
Division Smiles Family DentalDr. David Kim Dr. Michael Kim Dr. Jed Volvovic |
