Do Mouthguards Work for Grinding Teeth? Find Out Now!

Have you been waking up with pain in your jaw or seeing strange tooth wear? You may have bruxism, which is when you grind your teeth. Many people do this without knowing, often when they sleep. Dentists often suggest using a mouthguard. Night guards are special kinds of mouthguards made to keep your teeth safe from damage that grinding or clenching can cause. But do night guards really help? Can they keep your teeth safe and stop the pain? This article looks at what they do and if they help with grinding and bruxism.

Understanding Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism is the technical term for grinding your teeth. This problem can affect your quality of life in many ways. The majority of people who have bruxism may not know what causes it. Some common reasons are stress, sleep apnea, or when the teeth are not lined up right. People often get symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and tooth wear. This happens because grinding can put a lot of pounds of force on your teeth.

As time goes on, you may lose enamel, get tooth fractures, and feel discomfort in the muscles around your jaw. All these issues make it very important to get checked out and make any needed changes if you have bruxism.

What Causes Bruxism?

Stress has become a big reason why a lot of people start grinding or clenching their teeth. Many do this without knowing, mainly when they are under daily tension. This can be from things like problems at work or personal issues. Stress doesn't go away at night and often follows people to bed. When sleeping, this can put up to 250 pounds of force on the teeth. Neuroscience says this strong reaction happens because the brain is responding to things happening outside the body, especially during the non-REM sleep stages. It might happen as a regular way the body reacts to stress.

Another reason behind bruxism comes from having poor oral posture. When the tongue is not in the right place or someone is breathing through the mouth, teeth grinding can get worse. Experts also say there is a link between acidic diets and bruxism. If a person is very stressed, their stomach may make more acid, which harms tooth enamel. This can make bruxism even more likely.

In some people, airway problems like sleep apnea could be the cause. Dr. Frank Lobbezoo, who is the chair of the Academic Center for Dentistry in the Netherlands, points out bruxism may be tied to the airway opening up while sleeping. This shows there could be a closer link between how much oxygen people get and how the jaw moves.

Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding does not just damage your enamel. It can show up in ways that can be seen or felt during your day. Many people get headaches, most often when they wake up. This is one of the signs of bruxism, and it shows that the jaw muscles get used a lot during sleep.

You may feel jaw pain or that your jaw is stiff, and this often happens around the TMJ area. This soreness may even move up into your neck or shoulders. When this happens, other parts of your body can also start to hurt or feel tight.

Some more things to watch for are tooth pain, soreness in the gums, and odd feelings in your teeth. If you grind for years, it can lead to tooth fractures, more tooth and gum pain, or teeth feeling very sensitive. People might see clear wear as well. If you do not treat this, then neck pain can get worse, and your teeth might move out of place. It is important to know what to look for, and get help from a dentist, so bruxism does not cause more damage.

How Mouthguards Help with Teeth Grinding

Mouthguards help stop damage from grinding your teeth at night. They work like a soft barrier between your teeth. This cushion takes the force off your enamel, so your teeth are less likely to get worn down or crack.

Night guards are a special kind of mouthguard. Many people use night guards if they have bruxism, which means they grind their teeth a lot. Night guards can help with jaw pain and reduce how sensitive your teeth feel. They also keep your teeth from getting hurt even more. Night guards will not fix what causes bruxism, but they do protect your mouth from the harm that grinding can do.

How Do Mouthguards Protect Your Teeth?

The way mouthguards protect you comes from how they are made. You can get custom ones or store-bought ones. These are shaped as an impression of your teeth. They are made to fit well over your upper or lower teeth. This fit helps to keep your teeth apart when you do grinding. In this way, a mouthguard helps stop your teeth from touching directly, which cuts down the risk of tooth fractures. It also helps keep your enamel strong and healthy.

The durable material in these mouthguards works like a shock pad. It helps spread out the force that happens when you clench your jaw. So, there is less pressure put on one tooth, keeping all your teeth safer and lowering soreness.

Wearing the right mouthguard all the time can help stop tooth wear and sensitivity from bruxism. Most dentists say that custom mouthguards are best. They offer a better fit and cause less discomfort. If you take care of your mouthguard and use it each night, you can get good, lasting comfort for a long time.

Types of Mouthguards for Bruxism

Mouthguards for bruxism come in different types, catering to individual needs. Below is a detailed breakdown:

Custom guards are ideal since they adapt to your teeth's unique anatomy, providing comfort and long-lasting protection. Over-the-counter versions are cheaper, but their lack of customization may result in discomfort or reduced efficacy.

For those requiring additional adjustments, dental appliances crafted by professionals can meet specific conditions like TMJ disorders. Choosing the right type depends on your personal needs, symptoms, and preferred level of investment.

Choosing the Right Mouthguard for You

Finding the best treatment for bruxism starts when you choose the right mouthguard. You should go see your dentist to find out if you need a custom-made or store-bought option. The dentist can help you with what will work best for your jaw pain or tooth wear. Custom guards fit your mouth well, but store-bought ones can be easy to get and might cost less.

When making your choice, think about your bruxism symptoms, how bad your tooth wear is, and if you have jaw pain. Keep going back to your dentist to check if your mouthguard still helps you or if you need changes. This way, you get the best treatment over time.

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Mouthguards

Choosing between custom and over-the-counter mouthguards depends on what you need. A custom mouthguard is made from an impression of your teeth. This helps it fit your mouth well. Its durable material can handle grinding, which makes it a good choice for people with bruxism. It also tends to last a long time.

On the other hand, stock guards or boil-and-bite guards often cost less. They are good if you want a quick fix. But, since they cannot be made to fully match your teeth, there can be some discomfort or irritation. They may not work as well as a custom guard.

Dentists usually say you should use custom-made guards. This is because they fit your mouth, so they do not press on the gums much and give more comfort. The best thing you can do is ask your dentist. Your dentist will help you choose what is good for you, based on your own needs.

Tips for Proper Fit and Comfort

To make sure you get both comfort and a good fit from your mouthguard, keep these tips in mind:

• Your mouthguard should fit snug. It needs to feel secure in your mouth, but it should not feel too tight or loose.
• If you feel soreness in any spot, check it and talk to your dentist to find out what is going on and ask for any necessary adjustments.
• Always rinse out your mouthguard after each use. This keeps it clean and helps stop discomfort from bacteria.
• If you keep feeling discomfort, see your dentist. The dentist will look at it, and make any necessary adjustments.

Using a mouthguard that fits well can help with jaw pain at night and shield your enamel from too much harm. To fight bruxism, make sure to keep the mouthguard clean and see your dentist for regular check-ups. Then it will work its best for you.

Conclusion

To sum up, using a mouthguard can help with grinding, also called bruxism. It puts a barrier between the teeth and helps lower the pressure on the jaw. There are different types you can get. Some mouthguards are made just for you, while others you can buy at a store. This means everyone can find one that works for them. The fit and the comfort of the mouthguard are important. Be sure to use the fitting tips so you get the most out of your mouthguard.

When it comes to protecting your teeth from grinding, you want expert care—not just a quick fix. That’s where Schwimmer Dental comes in. Known as the best dental clinic in New Jersey, Schwimmer Dental doesn’t just offer mouthguards; they craft custom-fit solutions backed by deep experience in treating bruxism. Their approach blends precision, comfort, and long-term results. Want to stop grinding and start sleeping better? Book a consult and feel the difference in just one night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources:

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-grinding/
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10955-teeth-grinding-bruxism
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631 
• https://health.clevelandclinic.org/should-you-use-a-dental-mouthguard-for-your-jaw-pain