Frequently Asked Questions About Nightguards

Bruxism is the dental term for grinding or clenching your teeth. Grinding can happen side to side or front to back, it happens most often during sleep.¹ You may experience soreness or pain in your jaw and facial muscles, dull headaches and/or ear-ache like symptoms¹

Bruxism can cause dental enamel to be worn away, exposing deep layers within teeth. This can also increase tooth pain and sensitivity. Continued clenching and grinding can result in teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose.²

Bruxism may take place while a person is sleeping or awake. When occurring at night it is considered a sleep-related movement disorder.²

There are several things that can cause bruxism; stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, abnormal bite or even crooked or missing teeth. People who smoke or drink alcohol are twice as likely to grind their teeth.¹ Other things that could contribute to bruxism are age, personality type, medications (such as antidepressants) family history and some health issues like Parkinson’s disease, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), dementia, epilepsy, sleep apnea and ADHD to name a few.²

Bruxism is common in young children, but they will generally grow out of it.² Most cases of bruxism do not cause serious issues, however severe grinding or clenching can lead to damaged teeth or issues with your jaw, known as temporomandibular joint disorder.²

Many cases of bruxism do not require treatment.² However, there are several approaches when the severity of bruxing requires treatment. A nightguard (occlusal splint) or mouthguard can help prevent wearing down enamel or damaging of the teeth. These guards are designed to keep teeth top and bottom teeth apart.² They can be made of soft materials or hard acrylic and fit over your teeth.²

• What is causing my grinding or clenching?
• Is it causing abnormal wear of my teeth that will lead to other problems?
• Are there other treatment options available?
• What types of materialsare available for the guard you are recommending?
• Can I see and touch an example before you have one made for me?
• How often should I wear it?
• How do I take care of it?