What type of Mouthguard do I need?

Bruxism nightguards are an outstanding solution for a common health condition that affects 10% of adults and can impact children as well. These nightguards are convenient, comfortable devices that are made with special thermoplastics created from a mold of your teeth to support your teeth and jaw while you sleep. We strongly warn against using any kind of manufacturer drug store variety nightguard as they may not fit in your mouth properly and can cause even more damage to your jaw and teeth. Additionally, if you play sports you may want to consider a sports mouthguard like Stephen Curry famously uses. These are very effective in preventing tooth damage in case you catch a stick, ball, or elbow to your mouth.

How do I know if I grind my teeth

You might be wondering if teeth grinding occurs while I'm asleep, how do I know if I do It? Often some couples will be able to hear their partner grinding their teeth at night but you can also talk to your dentist. A dental examination will reveal jaw tenderness and excessive unnatural wear to your teeth. Bruce Ward a dentist from Vancouver identified some warning signs of teeth grinding as an aching jaw in the morning, sore teeth (weakened teeth), and having a headache. He recently shared with other members of the British Columbia Dental Association that have all been seeing more damaged teeth as a result of teeth grinding, that he recently pulled two teeth that were split up the middle of the teeth. Teeth grinding can also be caused by an abnormal bite, crooked or misshapen teeth, and sleep apnea.

How has Covid-19 stress impacted Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching when consistent can be detrimental to our teeth which were designed to withstand standard chewing strain but not repeated grinding. Repeated grinding of teeth can lead to cracks, chips, fractures, or overall loosened and weak teeth. The grinding of teeth is harmful to your joints and muscles. A Vancouver addictions and mental health counselor found that the pandemic has created new forms of stress, all of which can impact your mouth. It has been found that teeth grinding, clenching, and sleep talking at night are your body's attempts at addressing the emotional stressors it faces. The Covid-19 pandemic has seen a rise in cannabis use, interrupted good eating habits, isolation leading to frequent snacking, infrequent dental visits, which has impacted flossing and brushing routines along with other poor oral health habits. The American Dental Association of over 163,000 dentists reported that 70% of them have seen an increase in patients with teeth clenching/grinding issues in the last year.

How can I address teeth grinding before It is too late?

The CDA recommends dental consultations for bruxism (teeth grinding), to learn relaxation techniques, and to have a customized mouthguard made so no further harm is done to your teeth and jaw while you sleep. Some of the CDA suggestions to reduce stress include being physically active, yoga, massage therapy, listening to music, taking a bath, deep breathing exercises, and having a nutritious diet while limiting coffee and alcohol.

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COVID-19’s Impact on your Teeth Grinding in 2022!

December 29, 2021

Even before Covid-19 teeth grinding was a serious concern that continues to worsen every day. Almost, everyone occasionally grinds their teeth at night, but when it becomes a part of your regular sleep routine it can cause severe damage to your …