Bruxism is the medical name for teeth grinding. It can happen while you’re sleeping, or you may grind your teeth without realizing it while you’re awake.
Many of the patients who come to Century City Smiles and Orthodontics with bruxism are unaware of it until Dr. Shawn Saidian or Dr. Tania Ohebsion see the signs during an exam. One of the most common and effective treatments for bruxism is wearing a night guard while you sleep.
Here’s why you need treatment if you have bruxism and the five crucial benefits of wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth while you sleep.
Grinding your teeth in your sleep
If you have bruxism and grind your teeth while you sleep, you may not be aware it’s happening, but it can also cause numerous symptoms. According to the Sleep Foundation, the most common cause of teeth grinding at night is stress, though your risk may also be higher if you have obstructive sleep apnea.
Bruxism can cause symptoms that seem unrelated to your teeth. For example, you may wake up with a headache or pain in your jaw, neck, or ear. Over time, though, your teeth can become damaged due to the excessive force that occurs when you grind your teeth.
Your teeth may be chipped, cracked, or fractured due to bruxism. They may also become worn down much earlier than they would otherwise. Some people even have teeth loosened from grinding.
Another risk is developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This condition can make the face feel tender, cause the joints to swell, and make it painful to open and close the mouth.
How a night guard helps
A night guard or mouth guard worn while sleeping doesn’t cure bruxism but can help protect teeth. Here are five significant benefits of wearing a night guard.
1. Less wear
When you grind your teeth together, you exert extreme force—up to 250 pounds! That is certainly enough force to damage the enamel on your teeth. Placing a soft, pliable guard between your teeth can help mitigate the damage that force can cause.
2. Protect the inside of your cheeks
Some people don’t just grind their teeth together. They also make a chewing motion and sometimes can catch the insides of their cheeks between their teeth. This can lead to painful damage!
Wearing a night guard can protect the insides of your mouth by covering your sharp teeth.
3. Better sleep
You may sleep better when you wear a night guard. This makes sense because grinding your teeth together can be pretty painful. With the night guard, your teeth are protected, and the pain doesn’t occur.
4. Sleep apnea benefits
Often, bruxism is a symptom of sleep apnea, which is when you stop breathing while you sleep. Sleep apnea is a very serious condition; if you have it, you should discuss it with your doctor and dentist.
A night guard isn’t always the best treatment for sleep apnea, but in some instances, it can help keep your airways open so that you can breathe. When the air can pass in and out of your lungs, you’re less likely to grind your teeth.
4. Less pain
If you’re waking with a headache, feeling pain in your jaw, or your neck hurts because of bruxism, a night guard might help. For one thing, you’re likely to sleep better, which can help you generally feel better. For another, when your teeth are protected, that limits damage leading to less pain.
If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth in your sleep or know you have bruxism, schedule an appointment at Century City Smiles and Orthodontics. We’re happy to discuss your options and help you determine whether a night guard is the best way to protect your teeth.