Nightguards for Teeth Grinding

Many people experience teeth grinding or jaw clenching from time to time. Tension in the jaw can be caused by many factors, including emotional stress and physical pain, but when teeth-grinding and clenching—known as bruxism—goes from occasional to a more regular occurrence (on a nightly basis for example), you could be damaging your oral health.

 

Why Do I Clench My Teeth at Night?

Emotional factors such as anxiety can cause clenching and teeth grinding, but when bruxism happens in your sleep, it is likely caused by an abnormal bite.
Grinding and clenching can also be a symptom of certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea.
If you think you may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night—you may feel pain in your teeth or jaw when you wake up, or your loved one may have witnessed it happening while you slept—it is a good idea to inform your dentist right away.

 

Signs of Bruxism

We can help you identify and treat teeth grinding and clenching so that you can sleep more soundly at night and protect your teeth from damage with the help of a custom-fitted mouthguard.
As your local dentist in Pearl River NY, Bruce L. Rothschild, DDS & Associates, P.L.L.C. will check for the following signs of bruxism during your scheduled appointment:

  1. 1. Jaw tenderness
  2. 2. Excessive wear on your teeth
  3. 3. Loosening of teeth
  4. 4. Tooth fractures
  5. 5. Abnormal bite

Bruce L. Rothschild, DDS & Associates, P.L.L.C. will also take a complete medical history to eliminate the possibility of a sleep disorder causing your teeth grinding and address any issues of abnormal bite.

 

How Mouthguards Help Teeth Grinding

Mouthguards are a type of covering worn over your teeth to protect the teeth from injury when you grind or clench at night.
Mouthguards typically cover only the top row of teeth, but in some instances (such as if you wear braces or other fixed dental gear), a mouthguard may be fitted for the bottom row of teeth, as well.
Based on your appointment and your unique situation, Bruce L. Rothschild, DDS & Associates, P.L.L.C. can create the perfect mouthguard for you.

 

Custom Mouthguards versus Store-Bought Mouthguards

There are different types of mouthguards, including those which can be bought at the store (“boil-and-bite” mouth protectors and stock mouth protectors).
Custom mouthguards are made individually in your dentist’s office or based on your dentist’s instructions, and they are the only type recommended by dental professionals for use in cases of teeth grinding and clenching.
To make a custom-fitted mouthguard, Bruce L. Rothschild, DDS & Associates, P.L.L.C. uses an impression of your teeth, which is then used as a model to create the mouthguard using a particular material.
“Boil-and-bite” and stock mouthguards are inferior to custom-fitted mouthguards in many ways, and they are not recommended for use in protecting your teeth against bruxism.

 

Mouthguards for Relief from Teeth Grinding

A custom-fitted mouthguard can help you protect your teeth from the harmful effects of grinding and clenching at night. If you grind and clench your teeth at night, or suspect that you do, Bruce L. Rothschild, DDS & Associates, P.L.L.C. can help with a custom, highly effective and durable mouthguard.