Who needs a night guard?

People who grind or clench there teeth at night and or people who have symptoms of TMJ (joint pain) may benefit from an appliance called a night guard. Bruxism is the technical term for grinding and clenching that abrades teeth and may cause facial pain. People who grind and clench, called bruxers, unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times, such as in their sleep. In addition to grinding teeth, bruxers also may bite their fingernails, pencils and chew the inside of their cheek. People usually aren't diagnosed with bruxism until it is too late because so many people don't realize they have the habit. Others mistakenly believe that their teeth must touch at all times. About one in three people suffer from bruxism, which can easily be treated by a dentist.

Can bruxism cause harm?

People who have otherwise healthy teeth and gums can clench so often and so hard that over time their teeth become sensitive. They experience jaw pain, tense muscles and headaches along with excessive wear on their teeth. Forceful biting when not eating may cause the jaw to move out of proper balance.

What are the signs?

When a person has bruxism, the tips of the teeth look flat. Teeth are worn down so much that the enamel is rubbed off, exposing the inside of the tooth which is called dentin. When exposed, dentin may become sensitive. Bruxers may experience pain in their temporomandibular joint (TMJ)-the jaw-which may manifest itself as popping and clicking. Women have a higher prevalence of bruxism possibly because they are more likely to experience tissue alterations in the jaw resulting from clenching and grinding. Tongue indentations are another sign of clenching. Stress and certain personality types are at the root of bruxism. For as long as humankind has existed, bruxism has affected people with nervous tension. Anger, pain, and frustration can also trigger bruxing. People who are aggressive, competitive and hurried also may be at a greater risk for bruxism.

What can be done about it?

During regular dental visits, the dentist automatically checks for physical signs of bruxism. If the dentist or patient notices signs of bruxism, the condition may be observed over several visits to be sure of the problem before recommending and starting therapy. The objective of therapy is to get the bruxer to change behavior by learning how to rest the tongue, teeth and lips properly. When some people become aware of their problem, simply advising them to rest their tongue upward with teeth apart and lips closed may be enough to change their behavior and relieve discomfort. However, the dentist can make a plastic mouth appliance called a night guard that's worn to absorb the force of biting. This appliance can prevent future damage to the teeth and helps change the patient's destructive behavior.

How long does it take to fabricate a night guard?

Night guards generally take two visits to fabricate. On the first visit, we make an impression of your upper and lower teeth. These impressions are a duplicate your mouth and are generally sent to a dental laboratory to fabricate. On the second visit, the night guard is adjusted for optimal fit. These appliances are specific to your mouth only and will not fit others.

This and other information on dental topics are available at the American Dental Association online and the Academy of General Dentistry