Dental Guard for Grinding Teeth: Available Options and When to Consult a Dentist
In the realm of oral health, teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can have serious long-term consequences. This article explores the benefits of mouthguards in preventing and managing this condition, as well as a variety of options available on the market.
Mouthguards are devices designed specifically to prevent teeth grinding. They come in three categories recognised by the American Dental Association: custom, boil-and-bite, and stock. One popular custom mouthguard is the SleepRight Dura-Comfort Dental Guard, an adjustable mouthguard with swiveling pads that match the angle of a person's bite, priced around $33.
For those experiencing severe grinding, the Sentinel Extreme Hard Night Guard, a custom mouthguard made with dentist-grade materials and featuring a thickness of 3 mm, is a suitable option, costing $189. On the other hand, the Oral-B Nighttime Dental Guard, a boil-and-bite mouthguard available at drugstores and department stores, is a more affordable choice, with a list price of around $20.
If you're looking for a mouthguard that offers customizable options, Smile Brilliant Night Guard and Pro Teeth Guard are worth considering. Smile Brilliant offers packages that last from 3 months to 1 year of heavy grinding, with each guard being 2 mm thick, and prices starting at $129. Pro Teeth Guard provides custom mouthguards with four material options: Soft, Hybrid, Hard, and Ultra Thin, with the latter being only 1 millimeter thick and barely visible.
For those on a budget, Plackers Grind-No-More offers disposable, one-size-fits-all mouthguards that can be used for up to 3 days each, with a list price of around $17 for a pack of 10 guards.
It's essential to remember that if a person experiences pain or discomfort while using a mouthguard, they should discontinue using it.
Preventing and managing bruxism focuses on early dental intervention, addressing underlying causes, treating coexisting sleep disorders, and behavioural strategies. Regular dental check-ups can detect bruxism early, and treatments may include custom night guards or mouthguards to protect teeth from grinding and reduce pressure on jaw joints.
Since stress and anxiety are major triggers, stress management techniques, therapy, and lifestyle changes can help. Correcting bite misalignment through orthodontics may also reduce bruxism. Managing conditions like obstructive sleep apnea can reduce sleep bruxism episodes.
Avoiding stimulants before bedtime, practicing good sleep hygiene, and biofeedback therapy may assist in controlling bruxism.
Untreated bruxism poses serious risks, including tooth damage, temporomandibular joint disorders, chronic pain, and sleep disruption. Prevention relies on early diagnosis, dental protection, managing stress, and treating any related medical or dental conditions.
Chomper Labs offers custom-made mouthguards with four different material options, starting from $149, while Pro Teeth Guard mouthguards start from $159.99.
In conclusion, investing in a suitable mouthguard can significantly reduce the risks associated with bruxism, ensuring a healthier, happier smile.
- Science has revealed a connection between depression and bruxism, suggesting that managing depression could potentially alleviate grinding.
- Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, and oral health may share a link, as stress, a common trigger for bruxism, can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.
- The health-and-wellness industry continues to expand, with predictive analysis suggesting that the demand for custom mouthguards for bruxism prevention and management will grow, in line with a focus on proactive health care.
