Mouthguards
Hattiesburg, MS
 Almost everyone clenches their teeth at night, and many also grind them. The technical terminology for teeth grinding is “bruxism,” and when it occurs during sleep, it is known as “nocturnal bruxism.” Nocturnal bruxism often leads to symptoms including worn and fractured teeth, head, neck, and face pain, and also headaches. Often dental splints, commonly known as nightguards, are prescribed by Pine Belt Periodontics, PLLC. These night guards are available in a variety of different designs and are fabricated using several different materials.
Bruxism, or grinding of the teeth, is a fairly common condition that affects most of the adult population. Estimates range up to 85%. It usually occurs at night and the individual is typically unaware that he or she is grinding their teeth. Unfortunately, this bad habit can lead to a host of other dental problems.
How Would I Know if I Grind My Teeth?
If you are grinding your teeth, your teeth will appear worn down or damaged. Enamel has been worn down which would expose a yellow layer, which is called dentin. You may experience headaches or migraines in the morning or right after waking up, frequent earaches, ringing in the ears - especially in the morning, sensitive teeth, or facial pain. If you have a loved one that can observe you in your sleep they will notice that grinding of the teeth occurs quite frequently throughout the night.
What Causes Bruxism?
Causes of bruxism are still under investigation. However, the most common causes include stress, anxiety, alcohol, sleep disorders, and malocclusion.
How Can I Treat Bruxism?
Effective treatment is still in the research phase. The best way to prevent and control the grinding of teeth is to wear a night guard. This can be purchased over the counter or provided by our professionals.
Reasons Why Using a Mouthguard for Bruxism is the Easiest Cure
You can acquire these mouthguards through our professionals. A bruxism guard bought from a drug store is inexpensive and only has one size, making it hard to wear. This is also why professionals will require you to have it custom made. A customized guard will fit your teeth the best, but may cost more.
A mouthguard works by preventing your jaws from closing. Your teeth can no longer touch each other which will stop teeth grinding before it even happens.
If a bruxism guard is used properly it can help you protect your teeth. You can avoid gum problems and sensitive teeth. It is the only known treatment that works overnight for everyone with bruxism. Some other solutions, like surgery, do not completely stop bruxism. It may work for some people, but others will not get the desired result. A bruxism guard will work for those who grind their teeth while sleeping, as long as they wear it properly.
A mouthguard is the easiest cure for bruxism because of its availability and effectiveness. Stopping bruxism will be easy as long as you wear a mouthguard for bruxism every night, until you naturally stop grinding your teeth.
For more information, and to find out how you and your child can benefit from a mouthguard, call Pine Belt Periodontics, PLLC at (601) 255-9929 today.
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