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Do you grind your teeth or clench your jaw at night? If so you might need a Night Guard. Many patients who suffer from a condition called Sleep Bruxism benefit from wearing a Night Guard.

Bruxism is defined as the involuntary clenching and grinding of the teeth. This can happen due to stress, anxiety, frustration or tension. It can also be a coping strategy or a habit during deep concentration.

Sleep bruxism, (forceful grinding of teeth) happens while a person is asleep. Although sleep bruxism is most common in children, adolescents, and young adults, it can affect people of any age.

Can a Night Guard Help with Teeth Grinding

Most cases of Bruxism can easily be treated by wearing a night guard while you sleep. Night guards are also known as dental guards or mouth guards.

A night guard puts a soft barrier between your teeth. When you clench your jaw, or grind your teeth, the night guard helps to lighten the tension and give cushion to the muscles in the jaw. 

Night guards not only help to prevent face and jaw pain, but also protect the enamel of your teeth. 

Should You See your Dentist About Teeth Grinding?

If you experience pain in your jaw or neck from grinding your teeth, chronic headaches or you suffer from TMJ (temperomandibular joint disorder), your dentist might be able to help. 

A dentist can identify if your teeth grinding occurs alongside other conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may require further testing or treatment.

Although there is no cure to completely stop teeth grinding, a mouth guard can significantly decrease the impact on your teeth, as well as help to relieve the symptoms of bruxism. 

If you experience any of the symptoms associated with sleep bruxism, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr.Blum.