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Night Guards

Bruxism is defined as clenching of the jaw and/or grinding of the teeth brought on by continual activity of the chewing muscles throughout the day and night. Constant contact resulting from the contraction of the chewing muscles is termed “clenching,” while a constant, rhythmic chewing action without the presence of food is known as “grinding.” Tooth grinding and clenching generally take place during sleep due to the strong movements of the jaw. This phenomenon has a very high occurrence and those who suffer are often not aware of it.

Stress has been identified as the key cause of bruxism as well as the main factor leading to its intensification. Studies show that bruxism has a much higher occurrence in individuals with irritable, sensitive and/or obsessive personalities.

What kinds of problems may result from tooth grinding? What are the symptoms?

• The chewing face of the teeth may be worn down. While all teeth may be affected by wear resulting from teeth grinding together, the front teeth are particularly vulnerable.
• Tooth breakage. Micro-fractures in the corners of the front teeth and tops of the back teeth may form as a result of clenching and grinding. These fractures cannot be identified with X-rays, so they may grow with time and lead to breakage.
• Gum recession and tooth sensitivity. The gums often recede and along with this, dent-shaped wear occurs along the gum line. As a result, tooth pain and sensitivity to cold develop.
• Tooth instability. Teeth may become unstable as the grinding and excessive pressure cause them to lose the support of surrounding bone. Thus, teeth may become loose.
• Cheek irritation. Along the line at which teeth make contact, especially, a round or lined-shaped, fibrous growth may occur. This phenomenon is a result of continually biting the inside of the cheek.
• Muscle pain. When the patient wakes up in the morning, there may be pain in the temple and cheeks areas due to excessive muscle activity during the night. Very intense muscle pain is often accompanied by headaches.
• Jaw pain. Excessive weight put on the joint of the jaw may cause pain, rattling or locking.

These symptoms do not appear in the early stages of tooth grinding. They may appear up to years later depending on the intensity and duration of the condition.

Dentists’ most important tool for relieving the symptoms of tooth grinding is the night guard, a piece attached to the teeth of the lower jaw that prevents teeth from making contact during sleep. On their own, however, night guards may not be sufficient. For this reason, additional treatments to ensure a comfortable sleep such as muscle relaxing medications may be necessary depending on the intensity of the patient’s condition. Apart from this, the removal of faulty fillings or coverings that make it difficult to close the mouth as well as the insertion of necessary prostheses for missing teeth are among additional treatments.